The Portuguese verb matar literally means “to kill,” but like many common verbs, it appears in a wide range of idiomatic expressions that have nothing to do with violence. In everyday European Portuguese, matar is often used figuratively to convey ideas like satisfying a need, resolving a problem, or expressing intensity.
Here are 10 of the most common expressions with matar.
1. Matar a sede – To quench thirst
Depois da caminhada matei a sede com água.
After the walk, I quenched my thirst with water.
2. Matar a fome – To satisfy hunger
Comi uma sopa rápida para matar a fome.
I had a quick soup to satisfy my hunger.
3. Matar a curiosidade – To satisfy curiosity
Tive de fazer uma pergunta indelicada para matar a curiosidade.
I had to ask an indelicate question to satisfy my curiosity.
4. Matar o tempo – To kill time
Li uma revista para matar o tempo enquanto estava à tua espera.
I read a magazine to kill time while I was waiting for you.
5. Matar saudades – To ease the feeling of missing someone or something
Liguei à minha mãe para matar saudades.
I called my mother because I missed her.
6. Matar dois coelhos de uma cajadada só – To kill two birds with one stone
Fui ao Porto fazer compras e aproveitei para visitar o meu tio — matei dois coelhos de uma cajadada só.
I went to Porto to shop and took the chance to visit my uncle — killed two birds with one stone.
7. Matar-se a trabalhar – To work excessively hard
Ele mata-se a trabalhar para conseguir a promoção.
He kills himself working to get the promotion.
8. Matar-se a rir – To laugh uncontrollably
Vimos aquele vídeo e matámo-nos a rir.
We saw that video and laughed our heads off.
9. Matar-se de ciúmes – To be extremely jealous
O Carlos mata-se de ciúmes.
Carlos is insanely jealous.
10. Ficar mesmo a matar – Said when something looks especially good on someone
Esse casaco fica-te mesmo a matar.
That jacket really suits you.
