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"Mata" is a form of "matar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to kill". "Me encanta" is a form of "me encanta", a phrase which is often translated as "I love it". Learn more about the difference between "mata" and "me encanta" below.
matar(
mah
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to slaughter
Matan alrededor de 60 reses al día en el rastro municipal.They slaughter about 60 cattle a day in the municipal slaughterhouse.
2. (figurative) (to bother)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
3. (figurative) (to get mad at)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to kill
Mis papás me matarán si no saco buenas notas este semestre.My parents will kill me if I don't get good grades this semester.
4. (figurative) (to pass)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to kill
¿Quieres ir a un café para matar el tiempo antes de que empiece la película?Do you want to go to a cafe to kill time before the movie starts?
5. (to smooth)
a. to file down
Hay que matar la llave tantito para que quepa.You have to file the key down a bit so it will fit.
6. (to dull)
a. to tone down
Este color es demasiado fuerte para el dormitorio. Habrá que matarlo un poco.This color is far too strong for the bedroom. We'll need to tone it down a bit.
7. (to satisfy)
c. to stave off
Voy a comer unas almendras para matar el hambre.I'm going to eat some almonds to stave off my hunger.
8. (to astound)
a. to shock
Me mató tu hermano con la noticia de su boda repentina en Las Vegas.Your brother shocked me with the news of his spur-of-the-moment wedding in Las Vegas.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
9. (religious)
a. to kill
¿Es el sexto el mandamiento que habla de no matar?Is the sixth commandment the one that talks about not killing?
matarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to kill oneself
En la película, una mujer fingió matarse.In the movie, a woman pretended to kill herself.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
11. (figurative) (to work hard)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to kill oneself
Los trabajadores se mataron para enviar el pedido a tiempo.The workers killed themselves to deliver the order on time.
12. (to die)
me encanta(
meh
ehng
-
kahn
-
tah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. I love it
¿Te gusta tu regalo? - Me encanta. Muchas gracias.Do you like your present? - I love it. Thank you very much.
a. I love
Me encanta viajar en tren. - A mí no. Yo prefiero ir en avión.I love traveling by train. - I don't. I prefer to fly.
b. I really like
Me encanta este tipo. Es el único político que dice lo que piensa.I really like this guy. He's the only politician who says what he thinks.
