matas
MAH-tas
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Por qué no comes? ¡Te matas de hambre!
A2Why don't you eat? You are starving yourself (killing yourself with hunger)!
Si no estudias, matas la oportunidad de ir a la universidad.
B1If you don't study, you kill (destroy) the opportunity to go to university.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Form
This form is what you use when talking directly to one person you know well, like a friend or family member, in the present moment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use it Figuratively
In Spanish, 'matar' is often used figuratively, similar to English 'killing me' or 'dying of,' to mean 'exhaust' or 'overwhelm.' For example, 'Este calor me mata' (This heat is killing me).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'matas' as a physical object, not an action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell the difference between the verb 'matas' and the noun 'matas'?
Look at the words around it! If 'matas' is preceded by a definite article like 'las' (Las matas...), it is the noun (bushes). If it is the only verb in the sentence, or if the subject 'tú' is implied or stated (Tú matas...), it is the verb ('you kill').
Is 'matas' informal?
Yes, 'matas' is the 'tú' form of the verb, which is used for informal address in most Spanish-speaking regions. If you are speaking formally, you would use 'usted mata' instead.