какого черта
kakogo chorta
The English phrase "what the heck" is translated into Russian as какого черта (kakogo chorta).
While the word черт refers to the devil, it loses its religious connotation when used in this specific context.
Meaning: softer form of "what the hell" (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "of what devil".
Which one should you use?
какого черта serves as a milder alternative to more vulgar expressions involving 'mat' (Russian profanity) that follow the same grammatical structure.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal expression. While it is a softer version of more profane language, it can still be seen as rude in formal or polite company.
How do you pronounce it?
kakogo chorta
Did you know?
- In Russian folklore, the черт is often depicted not as a terrifying lord of hell, but as a mischievous, bumbling trickster who can be outsmarted by a clever peasant.
- In modern Russian, you can substitute черта with беса to create a similarly colored, though slightly more archaic and folkloric, expression of frustration.
- The phrase functions as an 'interjection' even when it is grammatically a question, meaning it can be used without a following subject or verb.
Examples in context
- Какого черта?What the heck?This example shows how to use какого черта to express a question of surprise.Tatoeba #3641620 by odexed, translation #1400439 by Spamster
- Что за черт?What the devil?
- Какого черта ты здесь делаешь?Kakogo cherta ty zdes' delayesh'?What the heck are you doing here?
Example conversation
Andrey is looking for his lost keys in the living room.
- Ольга OlgaТы не видел мои ключи?Ty ne videl moi klyuchi?Have you seen my keys?
- Андрей AndreyНет, я не знаю, где они.Net, ya ne znayu, gde oni.No, I don't know where they are.
- Ольга OlgaКакого черта они постоянно пропадают!Kakogo cherta oni postoyanno propadayut!What the heck, they keep disappearing!
- Андрей AndreyНе волнуйся, мы их найдём.Ne volnuysya, my ikh naydyom.Don't worry, we will find them.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
