mataron
“mataron” means “they killed” in Spanish (past, completed action).
they killedAlso: you all killed (formal), they murdered
📝 In Action
Los testigos confirmaron que los ladrones mataron a la víctima.
B1The witnesses confirmed that the thieves killed the victim.
Ustedes mataron el proyecto con esa decisión tan arriesgada.
B2You all killed the project with that risky decision.
Mataron el tiempo esperando el tren, jugando a las cartas.
B1They killed time waiting for the train, playing cards.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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Words that translate to "mataron" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mataron
Question 1 of 1
Which subject pronoun corresponds to the verb form 'mataron'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin verb *mactare*, which originally meant 'to sacrifice' or 'to slaughter (for sacrifice).' Its meaning later broadened to simply mean 'to kill.'
First recorded: Pre-10th century (as *matar*)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mataron' the only way to say 'they killed'?
No, but it is the most common and direct way, used for a single, completed action in the past. If you wanted to describe a habitual past action, you would use 'mataban' (imperfect tense).
How do I know if 'mataron' refers to 'they' or 'you all'?
You need context! If you are speaking formally to a group, it means 'you all (ustedes).' If you are talking *about* another group, it means 'they (ellos/ellas).'