Inklingo

How to Say "to slay" in Spanish

English → Spanish

matar

/ma-tar//maˈtaɾ/

VerbA2General
Use 'matar' when referring to killing in a general sense, often in stories, historical contexts, or when discussing natural causes like frost killing plants.
A single, bright red flower wilting and turning brown, covered in a thin layer of white frost, symbolizing its death.

Examples

El dragón mató al caballero.

The dragon slew the knight.

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/Literary
Choose 'asesinar' specifically for the act of murdering someone, often implying intent, planning, or a more formal/literary context, particularly in legal or historical investigations.
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

El asesino fue capturado tras asesinar a la víctima.

The murderer was captured after slaying the victim.

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).

Matar vs. Asesinar: Overkill vs. Intent

Learners often confuse 'matar' and 'asesinar'. Remember that 'matar' is a broader term for 'to kill,' applicable to both people and things, while 'asesinar' specifically denotes the act of murder, often with premeditation or in a formal context.

Related Translations

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