到底
HSK 5- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
到底 is used in questions to emphasize the inquiry, meaning "in the end," "after all," or "exactly/just."
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Adverb 到底 (dàodǐ) is used in questions for emphasis, pressing to the bottom of an issue. It expresses impatience, uncertainty, or a desire for a final, definitive answer. In English it corresponds to 'after all', 'in the end', 'just exactly', or 'on earth' (as in "What on earth do you mean?"). Use 到底 when you have run out of patience and want to get to the truth.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 你到底来不来？繁: 你到底來不來？Nǐ dàodǐ lái bu lái?
Are you coming or not?
- 他到底是谁？繁: 他到底是誰？Tā dàodǐ shì shéi?
Who is he really?
- 这到底是怎么回事？繁: 這到底是怎麼回事？Zhè dàodǐ shì zěnme huí shì?
What on earth is going on here?
- 你到底想去哪儿？繁: 你到底想去哪兒？Nǐ dàodǐ xiǎng qù nǎr?
Where do you really want to go?
- 你到底为什么生气？繁: 你到底為什麼生氣？Nǐ dàodǐ wèishénme shēngqì?
Why on earth are you angry?
Common mistakes
- Wrong:你到底去吗？Correct:你到底去不去？
Questions with `到底` typically use the A-not-A form or question words, and do not combine with `吗`.
- Wrong:你来不来到底？Correct:你到底来不来？
The adverb `到底` typically precedes the main verb or predicate for emphasis and should not be placed at the end of a sentence.