Grammar Point:
The Chinese grammar structure 到底 dàodǐ is a commonly used phrase that serves three functions and can be translated to mean “what on earth”, “finally”, or “after all”. Here are the functions, structures, and examples of 到底 dàodǐ:
Function 1 – Structure
Used to express a question that requires a clear answer, this structure usually indicates that the speaker is a little impatient or annoyed.
到底 dàodǐ + Question Word
你到底在做什麼?你到底在做什么?
What on earth are you doing?
她到底為什麼不愛我?她到底为什么不爱我?
Why on earth she doesn’t love me?
我的錢到底在哪裡?我的钱到底在哪儿?
Where the hell is my money?
他到底幾點才會到?他到底几点才会到?
What time exactly will he arrive?
孩子的爸到底是誰?孩子的爸到底是谁?
Who on earth is your child‘s father?
到底 + Verb + 不 / 没 + Verb
你到底要去還是不去?你到底要去还是不去?
Are you going or not!?
他到底做沒做完他的報告?他到底做没做完他的报告?
Did he finish his report or not?
你到底愛不愛我?你到底爱不爱我?
Do you love me or not?
Note: Grammatically, the 吗 ma structure does not work with the grammar of 到底 dàodǐ, but some Taiwanese people do use it in oral conversation. However, if you are preparing for the HSK exam, instead of using 吗 ma, you can place 没有 méiyǒu or 不 bù+V at the end of the sentence.
你到底愛我嗎?你到底爱我吗? ❌
Do you love me or not?
你到底愛我不愛?你到底爱我不爱? ✅
Do you love me or not?
你到底做完你的報告沒有?你到底做完你的报告没有? ✅
Have you finished your report or not?
Function 2 – Structure
到底 dàodǐ + V + 了
Used to express ”finally“ or “in the end“. In this case, it’s very similar to 最后 zuìhòu and 终于 zhōngyú.
他到底還是破產了他到底还是破产了
He’s still broke after all.
經過了那麼長的冬天,春天到底是來了经过了那么长的冬天,春天到底是来了
After such a long winter, spring has finally come.
分手的理由,我現在到底是明白了分手的理由,我现在到底是明白了
I finally understand the reason why we broke up.
Function 3 – Structure
到底 dàodǐ + the fact that you want to emphasize
Used to express a statement of fact or truth, this phrase is not very often used by the younger generation. It is equivalent to 怎么说也 zěnme shuō yě.
到底是在國外讀過書的,英文說起來就是好到底是在国外读过书的,英文说起来就是好
She has studied abroad, after all. Look how fluent her English is.
🟰怎麼說也是在國外讀過書的,英文說起來就是好怎么说也是在国外读过书的,英文说起来就是好
FYI
Have you heard of “Hǎi Guī Pài” (海龟派) in Taiwan? It’s a slang used to describe a group of people who have studied or worked overseas and have returned to Taiwan with foreign education or work experience. They are often seen as being more Westernized and less in touch with Taiwanese culture and values. The term “Hǎi Guī” itself means “sea turtle,” which is a homophone for the term “returned overseas Chinese” (海归, Hǎi Guī), adding to the connotation of being disconnected from Taiwan.
她到底是位新人,你就多幫幫她吧!她到底是位新人,你就多帮帮她吧!
She is just a newbie, you should help her as much as possible.
🟰她怎麼說也是位新人,你就多幫幫她吧!她怎么说也是位新人,你就多帮帮她吧!
他到底是你爸爸,你應該要有基本的禮貌他到底是你爸爸,你应该要有基本的礼貌
He is your father, after all. You should keep your basic manner.
🟰他怎麼說也是你爸爸,你應該要有基本的禮貌他怎么说也是你爸爸,你应该要有基本的礼貌
我到底也在這公司工作了30年,你不可以就這樣辭退我我到底也在这公司工作了30年,你不可以就这样辞退我
I have worked in this company for 30 years, you can not just fire me like this!
🟰我怎麼說也在這公司工作了30年,你不可以就這樣辭退我我怎么说也在这公司工作了30年,你不可以就这样辞退我
- I wonder 究竟 jiùjìng (HSK 4)