matar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/mataɾ/

Translation Options into English

to kill

Meaning and Usage in Spanish

The verb "matar" means "to kill" in English. It is used to describe the act of intentionally causing the death of a person, animal, or inanimate object. It can be applied in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as "matar el tiempo" (to kill time). The frequency of use of "matar" is relatively high in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions concerning crime, justice, and casual conversations where metaphorical use is present.

Example Sentences

1. "Él tuvo que matar a la serpiente para proteger a su hijo."

2. "He had to kill the snake to protect his son."

3. "No puedo creer que alguien pueda matar a otra persona."

4. "I can't believe that someone can kill another person."

5. "Decidí matar el tiempo leyendo un libro."

6. "I decided to kill time by reading a book."

Idiomatic Expressions

"Matar" is often used in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are some examples:

1. "Matar dos pájaros de un tiro."
2. Translation: "To kill two birds with one stone."

3. Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with a single action.

4. "Matar el gusanillo."

5. Translation: "To kill the craving."

6. Meaning: To satisfy a small hunger or desire temporarily.

7. "Matar la gallina de los huevos de oro."

8. Translation: "To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs."

9. Meaning: To ruin a valuable resource or opportunity through greed.

10. "Matar el tiempo."

11. Translation: "To kill time."

12. Meaning: To do something to pass time in a leisurely way.

13. "Matar el miedo."

14. Translation: "To kill the fear."

15. Meaning: To overcome one’s fears or anxieties.

16. "Matar la conversación."

17. Translation: "To kill the conversation."
18. Meaning: To cause a conversation to lose its momentum or interest.

Additional Example Sentences for Idiomatic Expressions

1. "Traté de matar dos pájaros de un tiro al ir al supermercado y al banco al mismo tiempo."

2. "I tried to kill two birds with one stone by going to the supermarket and the bank at the same time."

3. "Siempre llevo un libro en mi bolso para matar el gusanillo durante mis viajes en tren."

4. "I always carry a book in my bag to kill the craving during my train journeys."

5. "No debes matar la gallina de los huevos de oro solo por querer más dinero ahora."

6. "You shouldn't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs just for wanting more money now."

Etymology

The word "matar" originates from the Latin word "mactare," which means "to sacrifice" or "to kill." Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language to refer broadly to the act of killing or putting something to death.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Asesinar (to assassinate) - Eliminar (to eliminate) - Exterminar (to exterminate)

Antonyms: - Salvar (to save) - Proteger (to protect) - Revivir (to revive)

In summary, "matar" is a multifaceted verb in Spanish, heavily used in both everyday language and specific idiomatic expressions. Its nuances can cover literal or metaphorical contexts, making it an essential part of verbal communication.