What the hell Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈhɛɫ
WUT-thuh-HEL
wˈɒt/ /ðə, ði/ /hˈɛl
WOT-thuh-HEL
Definition
An informal and slightly rude expression used to show surprise, shock, annoyance, or confusion, usually when you do not understand something.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and mildly rude—used mostly among friends or in casual speech. Not suitable for formal, polite, or professional conversations. Softer than 'what the fuck', but can still offend some people. Often used to express strong emotion or confusion: 'What the hell is going on?'.
Spanish: qué demonios - qué diablosPortuguese (BR): que diabos - que raiosPortuguese (PT): que diabo - que raioChinese (Simplified): 到底是怎么回事 - 这到底是什么Chinese (Traditional): 到底是怎麼回事 - 這到底是什麼Hindi: ये क्या बवाल है - ये क्या चल रहा हैArabic: ما هذا بحق الجحيم - ما الأمر بحق الجحيمBengali: কি হচ্ছে এসব - এটা কী ব্যাপার - কী ছাইRussian: что за черт - какого чертаJapanese: 一体何なんだ - なんてこったVietnamese: cái quái gì vậy - chuyện quái gìKorean: 도대체 뭐야 - 뭐 하는 짓이야Turkish: ne oluyor ya - bu da neUrdu: یہ کیا ماجرا ہے - یہ کیا بکواس ہےIndonesian: apa-apaan ini - apa sih
Example Sentences
What the hell is that noise?
basic
What the hell are you doing here?
basic
He looked at me and said, 'What the hell?'
basic
What the hell just happened? I don’t get it.
natural
She forgot my birthday again—what the hell!
natural
What the hell are those kids up to now?
natural