heck
word
/ˈhɛk/
hek
/hˈɛk/
hek
Definition
A mild informal word used to show surprise, annoyance, or emphasis, often instead of a stronger rude word. It also appears in questions like 'what the heck' to mean 'why' or 'what on earth'.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and common in speech. Milder than 'hell', so it is often used to sound less rude: 'What the heck?', 'How the heck did that happen?' It usually adds emotion, not literal meaning. In many contexts, it can also suggest a relaxed attitude: 'Oh, heck, let's go.'
Spanish: diablos - demonios - quéPortuguese (BR): diabos - droga - quePortuguese (PT): diabos - bolas - queChinese (Simplified): 见鬼 - 到底Chinese (Traditional): 見鬼 - 到底Hindi: अरे यार - भला - आखिरArabic: تبًا - بحق - ماذاBengali: ধুর - ছিঃRussian: чёрт - чёрт возьмиJapanese: ちくしょう - なんてこったVietnamese: quái - trời ơi - chết tiệt (nhẹ hơn)Korean: 젠장 - 도대체Turkish: lanet olsun - ne haltUrdu: ارے - کمبختIndonesian: aduh - astaga
Example Sentences
What the heck is that noise?
basic
How the heck did you open this box?
basic
Oh, heck, I forgot my keys.
basic
Why the heck would he say something like that?
natural
I was tired, but heck, I finished the project anyway.
natural
Who the heck keeps calling me this late?
natural