matarlos
mah-TAHR-lohs
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tenemos que matarlos antes de que escapen.
A2We have to kill them before they escape.
No pude matarlos, eran demasiado rápidos.
B1I couldn't kill them, they were too fast.
La misión es encontrarlos y matarlos.
A2The mission is to find them and kill them.
💡 Grammar Points
Infinitive + Object Pronoun
This word is the base verb 'matar' (to kill) with the direct object pronoun 'los' (them) attached to the end. This structure is used when the verb is in its basic, unconjugated form.
Pronoun 'los'
'Los' is the 'little word' that tells you who or what is receiving the action. It must refer to multiple people or things that are masculine, or a mixed group of males and females.
The Required Accent Mark
When you attach pronouns to a verb like this, Spanish often requires an accent mark (tilda) to be added to the vowel that was originally stressed, in this case, the 'a' of 'matar', to maintain the correct pronunciation: 'matArlos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Pronoun Placement
Mistake: "Los matar."
Correction: Matarlos. When using the infinitive, the pronoun almost always attaches to the end. The exception is when a helping verb is used (e.g., 'Los vamos a matar').
Missing the Accent Mark
Mistake: "Matarlos (without tilda)"
Correction: Matarlos (with tilda). Without the accent, a native speaker might try to stress the 'o', which is incorrect. The tilda ensures the stress remains on the 'a'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Placement
You don't always have to attach the pronoun. You can also place it before the conjugated verb that controls the infinitive: 'Quiero matarlos' is the same as 'Los quiero matar' (I want to kill them).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matarlos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the pronoun 'los' attached to the verb correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'matarlos' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is added to keep the stress on the original syllable of the verb ('matar'). Without it, the stress would incorrectly shift to the 'o' of the attached pronoun, making the word sound wrong.
Can I use 'matarlos' if I am referring to a group of female friends?
No. 'Los' is only for masculine or mixed-gender groups. If you are referring only to female friends, you must use the pronoun 'las', making the word 'matarlas' (to kill them [females]).