¿qué demonios está pasando?
The English phrase "what the hell is going on?" is translated into Spanish as ¿qué demonios está pasando?
It can be used in informal settings to ask what is happening or what is going on.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of qué (what), demonios (demons), está (is) and pasando (passing/happening).
Which one should you use?
You can use the simple present ¿qué demonios pasa? to convey a similar meaning of "what is going on" as the continuous form. While demonios is a direct translation of "demons/hell", it is considered less aggressive or profane than using carajo or mierda.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ¿qué demonios está pasando? is used in informal settings. In many Spanish-speaking regions, using carajo instead of demonios is a more common but more vulgar way to express "what the hell".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present continuous tense (está pasando) to describe an action currently in progress.
Did you know?
- If you want to sound truly local in Spain, you might replace demonios with narices to say ¿qué narices está pasando?, which literally means 'what noses is happening?'
- Unlike in English where 'what the hell' is often a set phrase, Spanish speakers can swap demonios for other nouns like rayos (lightning bolts) to change the intensity of their surprise.
- In certain Caribbean cultures, asking ¿qué carajo pasa? can function as a verbal confrontation or a direct challenge rather than a simple inquiry about a situation.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel find their kitchen in complete disarray.
- Sofía¡Mira la cocina! ¿Qué demonios está pasando?Look at the kitchen! What the hell is going on?
- DanielNo tengo idea, Sofía.I have no idea, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Daniel, tú hiciste este desastre?Daniel, did you make this mess?
- DanielNo, yo no he tocado nada.No, I haven't touched anything.
