Inklingo

How to Say "they killed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mataron

/mah-TAH-rohn//maˈtaɾon/

verbB1
Use this form when describing a past action that has been completed and is a factual event.
Two victorious cartoon heroes, dressed in colorful armor, stand over a large, still, defeated monster.

Examples

Los testigos confirmaron que los ladrones mataron a la víctima.

The witnesses confirmed that the thieves killed the victim.

Ustedes mataron el proyecto con esa decisión tan arriesgada.

You all killed the project with that risky decision.

Mataron el tiempo esperando el tren, jugando a las cartas.

They killed time waiting for the train, playing cards.

Identifying the Subject

The '-aron' ending always tells you the action was done by 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).

Preterite Tense Function

This form is the simple past tense, used for actions that started and finished completely at a specific point in time (e.g., 'yesterday,' 'last week').

Preterite vs. Imperfect

Mistake: “Using 'mataban' (imperfect) when referring to a single, completed event.”

Correction: Use 'mataron' when describing a specific act of killing that finished. 'Mataban' suggests repeated or ongoing killing.

mataran

/mah-TAH-rahn//maˈtaɾan/

verbB2
Use this form in hypothetical, conditional, or imaginary situations, often in the past or present, to express what 'would happen' or 'if they were to'.
A group of storybook characters standing near a fallen wooden dragon toy.

Examples

Si ellos mataran a la araña, yo entraría al cuarto.

If they killed the spider, I would go into the room.

Era improbable que mataran el tiempo de esa manera.

It was unlikely that they would kill time in that way.

Temía que mataran a los personajes principales en el final.

I was afraid they would kill the main characters in the finale.

The 'What If' Form

The word 'mataran' is a special form of the verb 'matar' used for imaginary situations or things you aren't sure about in the past. It's used after 'if' (si) when talking about something unlikely.

Mataran vs. Matarán

Mistake: “Confusing 'mataran' with 'matarán'.”

Correction: Use 'matarán' (with an accent) for 'they WILL kill' (certain future). Use 'mataran' (no accent) for 'they would kill' (imaginary).

Past Completed vs. Hypothetical

The most common mistake is using the hypothetical 'mataran' for a real, completed past event. Remember that 'mataron' refers to something that actually happened, while 'mataran' is for 'if' clauses or unreal scenarios.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.