mato
MAH-toh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Siempre mato las moscas con un periódico viejo.
A2I always kill the flies with an old newspaper.
Si no bebo café, mato a alguien del mal humor.
B1If I don't drink coffee, I'll kill someone from a bad mood. (Figurative)
💡 Grammar Points
Using the 'Personal A'
When the person or animal receiving the action (the direct object) is specific, you must put the word 'a' before it: 'Mato a la araña' (I kill the spider).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'mato' and 'mando'
Mistake: "Using 'yo mato una carta' (I kill a letter)."
Correction: The verb for sending is 'mandar'. Use 'yo mando una carta'. Remember that 'mato' is a strong action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use is Common
You will often hear this verb used playfully or figuratively, especially when talking about satisfying a strong desire or boredom ('matar el tiempo').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'mato' as the noun (bush)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'mato' means 'I kill,' how do I say 'he kills'?
You would use the third-person form of the verb *matar*, which is 'mata' (él/ella mata). Remember that 'mato' only refers to the 'yo' (I) form.
Can I use 'mato' for 'bush' everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world?
While it is understood, 'arbusto' is more common in many Latin American countries. 'Mato' is very frequently used in Spain and certain regions like the Canary Islands.