Who the hell Meaning in English
expression
ˈhu/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈhɛɫ
HOO-thuh-HEL
hˈuː/ /ðə, ði/ /hˈɛl
HOO-thuh-HEL
Definition
An informal and sometimes rude way to strongly emphasize a question about a person's identity, showing surprise, anger, or disbelief.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and often sounds rude or angry. Common in spoken English for strong surprise or frustration. Do not use in formal or polite situations. Can soften slightly by omitting 'the' ("Who hell are you?") but both options are confrontational.
Spanish: quién demonios - quién diablosPortuguese (BR): quem diabos - quem raioPortuguese (PT): quem diabo - quem raioChinese (Simplified): 到底是谁 - 他妈的谁Chinese (Traditional): 到底是誰 - 他媽的是誰Hindi: आखिर है कौन - यह आदमी कौन हैArabic: من بحق الجحيمBengali: কে দোজখে - কে নরকে - কে কিসেরRussian: кто, чёрт возьми - кто, черт побериJapanese: いったい誰 - 一体誰だよVietnamese: ai mà trời đánh - ai mà quỷ sứKorean: 대체 누구 - 도대체 누구야Turkish: kim lanet - kim (Allah'ın) cezasıUrdu: آخر کون - کون حرام کاIndonesian: siapa sih - siapa sebenarnya
Example Sentences
Who the hell are you?
basic
Who the hell left this mess here?
basic
Who the hell called me at midnight?
basic
Dude, who the hell is at the door this late?
natural
Who the hell do they think they are, talking to me like that?
natural
My phone's missing—who the hell took it?
natural