This is the 12827th most frequent Korean word.
도대체
"도대체" means "what on earth," "at all," or "the heck," often expressing emphasis or bewilderment.
Expression of intense curiosity or confusion to strongly emphasize a question.
도대체 무슨 일이 있었던 건가요?
What on earth happened?
Expression of emphasis to criticize or question the necessity of something.
도대체 그게 왜 필요한가요?
Why on earth is that necessary?
Expression to amplify urgency or frustration about not knowing someone's location.