matar
/maˈta(ʁ)/
The English verb 'slay' can be translated into Portuguese as matar. Wiktionary also lists assassinar.
Meaning: to kill, murder (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| matar | /maˈta(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /maˈta(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| assassinar | /a.sa.siˈna(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /a.sa.siˈna(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The primary meaning of the word is to kill or murder. While matar is the general verb used for killing, the idiomatic expression matar a fome is used to mean satisfying one's hunger. In modern slang, particularly among younger generations in Brazil, the word lacrar is used to mean 'slaying'.
Which one should you use?
Matar is the general verb for 'to kill'. In contrast, assassinar is used specifically for premeditated murder or assassination.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang term lacrar is specifically noted as being used in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular past tense of matar is matou (killed/slain). To express an ongoing action, use the gerund form matando (killing/slaying).
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈta(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- The etymology of matar is historically debated, with one theory linking it to the Late Latin word mattus, meaning 'drunk' or 'intoxicated'.
- In Portuguese, you can matar a saudade, which literally means 'to kill the longing' but actually means to fulfill a longing for someone or something.
- If you are performing exceptionally well in a way that 'slays' a crowd, a Brazilian might say you lacrou, which literally relates to 'sealing' or 'locking' something in place.
Examples in context
- Paulo veio aqui para matar o monstro.Paul came here to slay the monster.This sentence shows how to use matar in the context of a monster.Tatoeba #13511056 by DavidDias, translation #11657277 by Amastan
- Você arrasa!You slay!
- Essa cantora arrasa no palco.That singer slays on stage.
- A modelo arrasou no desfile de moda.The model slayed the fashion show.
- Você mandou bem!You slayed!
- Aquela banda manda muito bem nos shows.That band slays in concerts.
- Cara, você arrasou!Dude, you slayed!
- Fiquei impressionado, ele arrasa tocando violão.I'm impressed, he slays playing the guitar.
- A professora arrebentou na palestra.The teacher slayed in the lecture.
- Você arrebenta dançando break.You slay at breakdancing.
- Não deixe o mosquito matar você.Don't let the mosquito kill you.
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are walking in a forest.
- CamilaCuidado para não matar as plantas.Be careful not to kill the plants.
- FelipeEu vou ter muito cuidado, Camila.I will be very careful, Camila.
- CamilaEste lugar é muito bonito.This place is very beautiful.
- FelipeSim, vamos apenas observar.Yes, let's just observe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slay” translations and entries matar, assassinar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assassinar, matar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
