Matar vs. asesinar
The Spanish verbs 'matar' and 'asesinar' both translate to 'to kill' in English, but they are not used interchangeably. Each has a distinct context that will define when to use it.
Matar
'Matar' is a broad term meaning 'to kill' and can be used in various contexts. It signifies the act of ending a life but does not necessarily imply premeditation or illegality.
El cazador mató al ciervo con un solo disparo.
(The hunter killed the deer with a single shot.)
La enfermedad mató a miles de personas.
(The disease killed thousands of people.)
El granjero mató a la gallina para la cena.
(The farmer killed the chicken for dinner.)
Asesinar
'Asesinar', on the other hand, specifically refers to 'murder'. It is an illegal act that involves premeditation and intention to harm or end someone's life.
El criminal asesinó a su víctima en el callejón.
(The criminal murdered his victim in the alley.)
El agente secreto fue acusado de asesinar al informante.
(The secret agent was accused of murdering the informant.)
Están investigando el caso para ver quién asesinó al empresario exitoso.
(They are investigating the case to see who murdered the successful businessman.)
Summary
'Matar' and 'asesinar' both refer to causing death, but they are used in different situations. 'Matar' is generally used when referring to ending any life for any reason including animals or due to natural causes. On the other hand, 'asesinar' is more specific and powerful, utilizado to denote unlawful, intentional killing of another human being.