maten
“maten” means “that they kill” in Spanish (Subjunctive use (e.g., 'I hope that they kill')).
that they kill, kill (you all)
Also: that you (plural, formal) kill, that they destroy/ruin
📝 In Action
Espero que no maten la discusión con ese comentario.
B1I hope they don't kill (ruin) the discussion with that comment.
El jefe dijo: '¡Maten ese proyecto si no es viable!'
B2The boss said: 'Kill (scrap) that project if it's not viable!' (Formal command to a group)
No permitan que los mosquitos maten a los animales.
B1Don't allow the mosquitoes to kill the animals.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maten
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'maten' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'matar' comes from the Arabic word *māta*, meaning 'to die.' It entered Spanish during the time of Moorish influence in the Iberian Peninsula, developing the transitive meaning of 'to cause to die.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'maten' the same as 'matan'?
No. 'Matan' is used for actions that are facts (Indicative Present: 'They kill'). 'Maten' is used for wishes, doubts, or formal commands (Subjunctive/Imperative: 'I hope they kill' or 'Kill!'). They look similar but serve very different purposes in a sentence.