matar
/ma-tar/
to kill
Matar (to kill): The frost caused the death of the flower.
matar(Verb)
to kill
?to cause the death of a person, animal, or plant
to murder
?unlawfully killing a person
,to slay
?often in stories or historical contexts
📝 In Action
Las heladas mataron todas las flores.
A2The frosts killed all the flowers.
En la película, el héroe mata al dragón.
B1In the movie, the hero slays the dragon.
Es ilegal matar animales en peligro de extinción.
B1It is illegal to kill endangered animals.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for People and Pets
When the one being killed is a person or a beloved pet, you must put the word 'a' right before them. For example, 'El villano mató al rey' (The villain killed the king).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'matar' vs. 'morir'
Mistake: "El rey mató en la batalla."
Correction: El rey murió en la batalla. 'Matar' is an action you do *to* someone else (to kill). 'Morir' is what happens *to* you (to die).
⭐ Usage Tips
A Strong Word
Just like in English, 'matar' is a very strong and direct word. Be mindful of the context when you use it.
Matar el tiempo (to kill time): Doing an activity to pass the time while waiting.
matar(Verb)
to kill time
?to do something to pass the time while waiting
to bore
?used with 'de aburrimiento' (with boredom)
,to wear out
?to exhaust someone with work or effort
📝 In Action
Mientras esperaba el autobús, leí un libro para matar el tiempo.
B1While I waited for the bus, I read a book to kill time.
Esta clase me está matando de aburrimiento.
B1This class is killing me with boredom.
Mi jefe me mata con tanto trabajo.
B2My boss is killing me with so much work.
⭐ Usage Tips
Killing Time
The phrase 'matar el tiempo' is used exactly like 'to kill time' in English. It's a very natural and common way to talk about doing something unimportant while you wait.
Matar el sabor (to overpower the flavor): When a strong ingredient ruins the taste of a more delicate one.
matar(Verb)
to overpower
?referring to a flavor or scent
to ruin (a flavor)
?when one ingredient is too strong
,to drown out
?referring to a sound
📝 In Action
No le pongas tanta cebolla, vas a matar el sabor del pescado.
B2Don't add so much onion, you're going to overpower the taste of the fish.
El color brillante de la pared mata la delicadeza de los muebles.
C1The bright color of the wall ruins the delicacy of the furniture.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sensory Overload
Use this meaning when one sensation (like a strong taste, loud noise, or bright color) is so intense that it 'kills' or cancels out the other, more subtle ones.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'matar' in a figurative (not literal) way?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'matar' and 'morir'?
It's the difference between 'to kill' and 'to die'. 'Matar' is an action that someone or something does *to* another being (e.g., 'El cazador mata al animal' - The hunter kills the animal). 'Morir' is what happens *to* the being (e.g., 'El animal muere' - The animal dies).
Is 'matar' always a negative or violent word?
No, not always! While its main meaning is very strong and often negative, it has many common, neutral, or even positive figurative uses. Saying 'matar el tiempo' (to kill time) is very normal, and in some places, saying something 'mata' can mean it's awesome or 'killer'!