How to Say "murdered" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “murdered” is “asesinado” — use 'asesinado' as an adjective to describe a victim who has been murdered, often referring to a person of public interest or in a formal context..
asesinado
/a-se-si-NA-do//ase.siˈna.ðo/
Examples
El político asesinado había recibido amenazas de muerte.
The assassinated politician had received death threats.
Encontramos el cuerpo asesinado en el sótano.
We found the murdered body in the basement.
La banda criminal ha asesinado a varios periodistas.
The criminal gang has murdered several journalists. (Uses 'haber')
El presidente fue asesinado hace diez años. (Passive Voice)
The president was assassinated ten years ago.
Gender and Number Match
As an adjective, 'asesinado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'asesinada' (f.), 'asesinados' (m. pl.), 'asesinadas' (f. pl.).
Using the Participle
The past participle ('asesinado') is combined with the helper verb 'haber' to talk about actions that have been completed (e.g., 'Hemos asesinado' - We have murdered).
Passive Voice
When used with the verb 'ser' (to be), it forms the passive voice, emphasizing the victim and not the killer: 'Fue asesinado' (He was murdered). In this context, it acts like an adjective and must agree in gender/number.
asesinado
/a-se-si-NA-do//ase.siˈna.ðo/
Examples
La banda criminal ha asesinado a varios periodistas.
The criminal gang has murdered several journalists.
El político asesinado había recibido amenazas de muerte.
The assassinated politician had received death threats.
Encontramos el cuerpo asesinado en el sótano.
We found the murdered body in the basement.
El presidente fue asesinado hace diez años. (Passive Voice)
The president was assassinated ten years ago.
Gender and Number Match
As an adjective, 'asesinado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'asesinada' (f.), 'asesinados' (m. pl.), 'asesinadas' (f. pl.).
Using the Participle
The past participle ('asesinado') is combined with the helper verb 'haber' to talk about actions that have been completed (e.g., 'Hemos asesinado' - We have murdered).
Passive Voice
When used with the verb 'ser' (to be), it forms the passive voice, emphasizing the victim and not the killer: 'Fue asesinado' (He was murdered). In this context, it acts like an adjective and must agree in gender/number.
Examples
La prensa reportó que el criminal asesinó a su víctima en la calle.
The press reported that the criminal murdered his victim in the street.
matado
mah-TAH-doh/maˈtaðo/
Examples
El animal encontrado era un venado matado por un cazador furtivo.
The animal found was a deer killed by a poacher.
Se confirmó que el ladrón fue matado durante el tiroteo.
It was confirmed that the thief was killed during the shootout.
Passive Voice
This adjective is the past participle of 'matar' (to kill) and is often used to form the passive voice with the verb 'ser' (e.g., 'fue matado' means 'it was killed').
Choosing between 'asesinado' and 'matado'
Related Translations
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