The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of matar is used to give direct orders or instructions, for example Mata la cucaracha. (Kill the cockroach.)

Matar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in this mood follow the typical pattern for that verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Matar (to kill) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish):

Matar generally means to kill or slay, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

Literal meaning: To kill or slay, for example, ¡Mata a ese insecto! (Kill that insect!)

To exhaust or tire out: To completely drain someone’s energy or stamina, for example, ¡Mátame en el gimnasio! (Exhaust me at the gym!)

To turn off or deactivate: To stop the operation or functioning of something, for example, ¡Mata la computadora! (Turn off the computer!)

To quench or satisfy: To fulfill a desire or need, for example, ¡Mata mi sed con esta bebida! (Quench my thirst with this drink!)

Slang: To impress or amaze: To do something extremely well or impressively, for example, ¡Mátala en el escenario! (Kill it on stage!)

Rude slang: To beat or hit: To physically attack or harm someone (vulgar), for example, ¡Mátalo si te molesta! (Beat him up if he bothers you!)

Examples

Examples of Matar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Mata esa cucaracha! (Kill that cockroach!)

Mamá, matemos el tiempo viendo una película juntos. (Mom, let’s kill some time watching a movie together.)

Chicos, maten el ruido para que pueda concentrarme. (Guys, kill the noise so I can concentrate.)

Antes de irnos de vacaciones, mata todas las plantas para que no se sequen. (Before we go on vacation, kill all the plants so they don’t dry out.)

Oye, mata esa actitud negativa, ¿quieres? (Hey, kill that negative attitude, will you?)

En esta oficina, maten el estrés con ejercicios de respiración. (In this office, kill stress with breathing exercises.)

Antes de salir, mata todas las luces y cierra las ventanas. (Before leaving, kill all the lights and close the windows.)

¡Maten esa música a todo volumen! (Kill that music at full volume!)

Cuando estés listo para renunciar, mata tus dudas y hazlo. (When you’re ready to quit, kill your doubts and do it.)

En el gimnasio, maten sus últimas reservas de energía. (At the gym, kill your last reserves of energy.)

Para tener éxito, mata tus miedos y atrévete a intentarlo. (To be successful, kill your fears and dare to try it.)

Hijos, maten la televisión y vayan a jugar afuera. (Kids, kill the TV and go play outside.)

Antes de acostarte, mata todas las luces y cierra las cortinas. (Before going to bed, kill all the lights and close the curtains.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Matar (to kill) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.