Inklingo

How to Say "to murder" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to murder” is “matar” — use 'matar' when referring to the act of killing, which can include unintentional or even non-human subjects, but also specifically unlawful killing..

English → Spanish

matar

/ma-tar//maˈtaɾ/

VerbA2General
Use 'matar' when referring to the act of killing, which can include unintentional or even non-human subjects, but also specifically unlawful killing.
A single, bright red flower wilting and turning brown, covered in a thin layer of white frost, symbolizing its death.

Examples

Las heladas mataron todas las flores.

The frosts killed all the flowers.

En la película, el héroe mata al dragón.

In the movie, the hero slays the dragon.

Es ilegal matar animales en peligro de extinción.

It is illegal to kill endangered animals.

Using 'a' for People and Pets

When the one being killed is a person or a beloved pet, you must put the word 'a' right before them. For example, 'El villano mató al rey' (The villain killed the king).

'matar' vs. 'morir'

Mistake: “El rey mató en la batalla.”

Correction: El rey murió en la batalla. 'Matar' is an action you do *to* someone else (to kill). 'Morir' is what happens *to* you (to die).

asesinar

/a-se-si-nar//ase.siˈnaɾ/

VerbB1Formal
Use 'asesinar' specifically for the crime of murdering someone, emphasizing the intentional and illegal nature of the act.
A storybook illustration depicting one stylized figure standing over another figure who is lying completely still on the ground, symbolizing the act of murder.

Examples

La investigación busca a la persona que pudo asesinar al periodista.

The investigation is looking for the person who could have murdered the journalist.

El dictador fue asesinado en 1985.

The dictator was assassinated in 1985.

No hay motivo para asesinar a nadie.

There is no reason to murder anyone.

Regular AR Verb

This is a regular verb ending in -ar, which means it follows the standard, predictable pattern for conjugation. Once you know one regular -ar verb (like 'hablar'), you know them all!

The Personal 'a'

Because 'asesinar' acts upon a person (the victim), you must use the little word 'a' right before the person's name or title: 'Asesinaron al presidente.'

Confusing 'asesinar' and 'matar'

Mistake: “Using 'asesinar' when you just mean 'kill' in a non-criminal context (like killing a bug).”

Correction: 'Asesinar' means *murder* or *assassinate* (always intentional and illegal). Use 'matar' for general killing. 'Maté una mosca' (I killed a fly).

General Killing vs. Murder

Learners often confuse 'matar' and 'asesinar' by using 'matar' when the context clearly implies a premeditated, illegal homicide. Remember that 'asesinar' is the precise term for 'to murder' as a crime.

Related Translations

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