N3211/219

一体

一体 + question word + ...一体全体 + sentence一体何人/何名 + が + ...一体 + どうして/どういう + ...一体 ... のか/のだろう

Meanings

What on earth?
Who in the world?
Where on earth?
How many on earth?

About this pattern

Explanation

一体 is a strong, emotional intensifier used to express curiosity, surprise, or disbelief. It often appears at the beginning of a question to emphasize how puzzling or extreme the situation is. It can also stand alone as a reaction: ‘What on earth!’ Use it in informal or emotionally charged contexts. It can combine with questions about people, places, reasons, or quantities.

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Example sentences

一体これはどういうことだろう。

What on earth is this supposed to be?

一体誰がそんなことをしたのだろう。

Who on earth did such a thing?

一体どこへ行くつもりなのか分からない。

I have no idea where on earth you plan to go.

一体全体、何が起きているのか教えてくれ。

What on earth is going on, please tell me.

一体何人集まるのだろう。

I wonder how many people will gather.

一体この値段で本当に大丈夫なのか。

Is this price really okay?

Related patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

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More N3 patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

while; during; between; in the period of

During the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens

ないうちに

before it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...