Decoded Slug: 到底 (dàodǐ) - What on earth; what in the world
Mandarin Grammar Point
到底 (dàodǐ) - What on earth; what in the world
到底 (dàodǐ) - What on earth; what in the world
Short explanation:
Used in a question for emphasis, expressing impatience or urgency.
Formation:
Subject + 到底 + Verb/Adjective + Rest of the sentence?
Examples:
你到底想去哪里度假？我还没有决定。
Nǐ dàodǐ xiǎng qù nǎlǐ dùjià? Wǒ hái méiyǒu juédìng.
Where on earth do you want to go on vacation? I haven't decided yet.
他到底为什么还没来？他遇到了交通问题。
Tā dàodǐ wèishéme hái méi lái? Tā yùdào le jiāotōng wèntí.
Why on earth hasn't he come yet? He ran into some traffic issues.
她到底喜欢什么样的音乐？她喜欢各种类型的音乐。
Tā dàodǐ xǐhuān shénme yàng de yīnyuè? Tā xǐhuān gèzhǒng lèixíng de yīnyuè.
What kind of music does she like in the world? She likes all kinds of music.
你到底能不能来我的生日派对？我可以来。
Nǐ dàodǐ néng bùnéng lái wǒ de shēngrì pàiduì? Wǒ kěyǐ lái.
Can you come to my birthday party or not, after all? I can come.
Long explanation:
The Mandarin Chinese phrase '到底 (dàodǐ)' is a question word used for emphasis or to express impatience, urgency, or confusion. The expression is roughly equivalent to the English phrases 'what on earth' or 'what in the world', but it does not necessarily portray a negative consequence. The phrase '到底 (dàodǐ)' is usually used when the speaker wants to stress their question, making it more intensive.
