Translation guide
An emphatic, often angry or incredulous way to ask someone what they are talking about. In Japanese, this is expressed through strong question words, sentence-ending particles, and tone rather than a direct translation of 'the hell'.
You are shocked, angry, or cannot believe what the other person just said, and you demand an explanation.
Very common casual and rough expression. '何' (what) + '言ってん' (contracted '言っている') + 'だ' (copula) + 'よ' (emphatic particle). Used mainly by men or in rough speech.
何言ってんだよ、お前。
What the hell are you saying, man?
Standard casual expression. '何' (what) + '言ってる' (contracted '言っている') + 'の' (explanatory/question particle). Can be used by anyone, but still carries strong emotion depending on tone.
You are not necessarily angry, but you are completely baffled or cannot believe what you are hearing.
Similar to '何言ってるの？' but even more casual and contracted. Often used when you think someone is talking nonsense.
え、何言ってんの？マジで？
Huh? What the hell are you saying? Seriously?
Do not try to translate 'the hell' directly. There is no Japanese equivalent for this intensifier. Instead, use strong question words and rough or emphatic sentence endings to convey the same emotion.
Even polite forms like '何を言っているんですか' can sound very aggressive if said with a sharp tone. In Japanese, the level of politeness does not always soften the emotional impact.
What the hell are you saying? I don't get it.
Polite form. '何を' (what) + '言っている' (saying) + 'ん' (explanatory) + 'です' (polite copula) + 'か' (question). The politeness can sound sarcastic or cold if the tone is sharp.
何を言っているんですか？冗談でしょう？
What the hell are you saying? You must be joking.
Extremely rough and confrontational. 'テメー' is a very rude 'you'. Used in fights or among very close male friends in heated moments.
何言ってんだテメー、ふざけんな！
What the hell are you saying, you bastard? Don't mess with me!
Literally 'Do you understand what you're saying?' Used to question someone's awareness or sanity.
ちょっと待って、何言ってるかわかってる？
Wait, what the hell are you saying? Do you even realize what you're saying?