matar
kill
The Spanish word 'matar' translates to 'kill' in English. It is a verb and is used in various contexts similar to English, for instance, 'Quiero matar el tiempo' (I want to kill time) or 'El cazador mató al ciervo' (The hunter killed the deer). Remember, as with all verbs, the precise form of 'matar' can change with tense and subject.
Example sentences using: matar
No quiero matar la oportunidad de mejorar
I don't want to kill the opportunity to improve
This phrase employs the verb 'matar' metaphorically to indicate the concept of 'ruining or spoiling' something. In this case, the speaker does not want to ruin their chance to progress.
Puedes matar dos pájaros de un tiro
You can kill two birds with one stone
This is a Spanish idiom that is equivalent to the English phrase 'kill two birds with one stone'. It means to solve two problems at once.
El libro era tan aburrido que casi me mata
The book was so boring it almost killed me
This is an example of hyperbole, where 'matar' is used to express an extreme level of boredom.
Ella mata con su mirada
She kills with her gaze
This phrase employs a metaphorical usage of 'matar', suggesting that the woman's gaze is so intense, it feels lethal or powerful.
Los mosquitos pueden matar si portan enfermedades
Mosquitoes can kill if they carry diseases
This phrase uses 'matar' in a literal sense to say that mosquitoes can cause death when they transmit diseases.
El hombre fue condenado por intentar matar a su jefe
The man was sentenced for trying to kill his boss
In this sentence, 'matar' is used in a legal context, to refer to the crime of attempted murder.
El alcohol puede matar las bacterias
Alcohol can kill bacteria
This phrase uses 'matar' to discuss how alcohol is able to eliminate bacteria.
Los pesticidas pueden matar a las abejas
Pesticides can kill bees
This sentence discusses the environmental issue of how pesticides, aimed to stop pests, may harm beneficial insects like bees.
Es importante matar los malos hábitos
It is important to kill bad habits
This is a figurative use of 'matar', meaning to get rid of or stop something, in this case, bad habits.
Fumar puede matar
Smoking can kill
This phrase uses 'matar' to convey the serious health risks associated with smoking.