Inklingo

How to Say "killing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

matando

mah-TAHN-doh/maˈtando/

GerundA2General
Use this gerund to describe the ongoing action of 'killing time' or wasting time, not the act of taking a life.
A simple red fox character decisively catching a small gray mouse character in a bright green field, symbolizing the action of taking life.

Examples

La policía lo encontró matando el tiempo en el parque.

The police found him killing time in the park.

El cazador estuvo matando mosquitos toda la noche.

The hunter was killing mosquitoes all night.

Forming the 'Doing' Form

Since 'matar' ends in -ar, the gerund (the form that acts like the '-ing' in English) is made by changing -ar to -ando. This is the simplest pattern.

Using Continuous Actions

You combine 'matando' with a form of 'estar' (to be) to show something is happening right now: 'Estamos matando el proyecto' (We are killing the project).

Mixing up Gerund and Infinitive

Mistake: “Using 'estoy a matar' instead of 'estoy matando'.”

Correction: Remember that 'estar' needs the '-ando' form to describe an action in progress. 'A matar' means 'to kill'.

homicidio

/oh-mee-SEE-dee-oh//o.miˈsi.ðjo/

NounB2Formal/Legal
This is the most general legal term for the act of unlawfully killing another human being.
A colorful storybook illustration featuring a large wooden gavel resting on a block. Next to the gavel, two simplified human figures are depicted, linked by a thick, snapped chain, symbolizing the legal concept of homicide.

Examples

La policía investiga si fue un accidente o un caso de homicidio.

The police are investigating whether it was an accident or a case of homicide.

Fue declarado culpable de homicidio involuntario.

He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

El índice de homicidios en la capital ha disminuido en los últimos meses.

The homicide rate in the capital has decreased in recent months.

Gender of Nouns

Since 'homicidio' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' before it: 'el homicidio'.

Confusing Homicidio and Asesinato

Mistake: “Using 'asesinato' when you mean any killing.”

Correction: Use 'homicidio' as the general term for killing a person. 'Asesinato' is specifically used for premeditated or cruel killings, which have a stricter legal definition.

asesinato

/a-se-si-NA-to//asesiˈnato/

NounB2General/News
Use this term for a premeditated or particularly violent unlawful killing, often referring to a specific, high-profile event.
A high-quality, simple storybook illustration of an empty, spotlighted stage in a grand hall. A tall wooden podium is knocked slightly askew, and a single, pristine black top hat lies abandoned on the red carpet next to it, symbolizing the sudden, violent removal of a public figure.

Examples

El asesinato del político provocó una crisis nacional.

The assassination of the politician caused a national crisis.

La policía está investigando el brutal asesinato.

The police are investigating the brutal murder.

Fue condenado por intento de asesinato.

He was convicted of attempted murder.

Always Masculine

Like most Spanish nouns that end in '-o', 'asesinato' is masculine. This means you'll always use masculine words like 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el asesinato', 'un asesinato'.

'Asesinato' vs. 'Homicidio'

Mistake: “Using 'asesinato' for any and every killing.”

Correction: In legal terms, 'asesinato' implies premeditation or taking advantage of the victim's defenselessness (it's a planned or particularly cruel murder). 'Homicidio' is the general term for killing another person (homicide), which may or may not be planned.

mortales

/mor-TAH-lehs//moɾˈtales/

AdjectiveC1Informal
Use this adjective informally to describe something as extremely difficult, exhausting, or boring, often used hyperbolically.
A tired hiker sitting on a rock with a backpack, wiping sweat from their forehead.

Examples

Estas clases de matemáticas son mortales.

These math classes are killing me (extremely boring/hard).

Después de correr tanto, tengo unas agujetas mortales.

After running so much, I have some killer muscle aches.

Confusing 'matando' with 'killing' someone

The most common mistake is assuming 'matando' can be used for the act of murder. Remember, 'matando' is only for 'killing time' or similar figurative uses. For the act of taking a life, always use 'homicidio' or 'asesinato'.

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