How to Say "killer" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “killer” is “asesino” — use 'asesino' when referring to a person who has committed murder, often implying a deliberate and malicious act..
asesino
/a-se-SI-no//aseˈsino/
Examples
La policía atrapó al asesino después de una larga investigación.
The police caught the murderer after a long investigation.
La novela cuenta la historia de un asesino a sueldo.
The novel tells the story of a contract killer (hitman).
Se cree que es un asesino en serie.
It is believed that he is a serial killer.
El boxeador tiene un instinto asesino en el ring.
The boxer has a killer instinct in the ring.
Gender: Asesino vs. Asesina
This word changes to match the gender of the person. Use 'asesino' for a man and 'asesina' for a woman. If you're talking about a group that includes men and women, you use the masculine plural 'asesinos'.
Matching the Noun
When used to describe something, 'asesino' must match the gender and number of that thing. For example: 'un instinto asesino' (a killer instinct) but 'una mirada asesina' (a murderous look), because 'mirada' is feminine.
Not Just Any Criminal
Mistake: “Usar 'asesino' para hablar de un ladrón (thief).”
Correction: Usa 'asesino' solo para alguien que mata. Para alguien que roba, di 'ladrón'. 'Asesino' is specific to the act of killing.
asesino
/a-se-SI-no//aseˈsino/
Examples
El boxeador tiene un instinto asesino en el ring.
The boxer has a killer instinct in the ring.
La policía atrapó al asesino después de una larga investigación.
The police caught the murderer after a long investigation.
La novela cuenta la historia de un asesino a sueldo.
The novel tells the story of a contract killer (hitman).
Se cree que es un asesino en serie.
It is believed that he is a serial killer.
Gender: Asesino vs. Asesina
This word changes to match the gender of the person. Use 'asesino' for a man and 'asesina' for a woman. If you're talking about a group that includes men and women, you use the masculine plural 'asesinos'.
Matching the Noun
When used to describe something, 'asesino' must match the gender and number of that thing. For example: 'un instinto asesino' (a killer instinct) but 'una mirada asesina' (a murderous look), because 'mirada' is feminine.
Not Just Any Criminal
Mistake: “Usar 'asesino' para hablar de un ladrón (thief).”
Correction: Usa 'asesino' solo para alguien que mata. Para alguien que roba, di 'ladrón'. 'Asesino' is specific to the act of killing.
homicida
/oh-mee-SEE-dah//omiˈθiða/
Examples
La policía arrestó al homicida anoche.
The police arrested the murderer last night.
Ella fue identificada como la homicida.
She was identified as the killer.
One Ending for Everyone
This word always ends in -a, regardless of whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Use 'el homicida' for a man and 'la homicida' for a woman.
Avoid 'Homicido'
Mistake: “Calling a male killer 'un homicido'.”
Correction: Always use 'homicida'. 'Homicidio' is the name of the crime itself (murder), not the person who did it.
matanza
/mah-TAHN-sah//maˈtanθa/
Examples
Subir todas esas cajas fue una matanza.
Carrying all those boxes up was a real killer (exhausting).
Asesino vs. Homicida
Related Translations
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