Dragon Ball Z: The 10 Best Vegeta Quotes from the Japanese Dub, Ranked

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The anime series ‘Dragon Ball Z‘ is renowned for being one of the best shonen anime ever produced, and this popularity stems from its compelling characters and narratives. While epic fights between powerful Earth warriors and destructive beings certainly contribute to its appeal, it’s the well-crafted characters that truly set it apart. Dialogue plays a crucial role in ‘Dragon Ball Z’, as it doesn’t neglect this essential aspect.

Among all characters in Dragon Ball Z, none undergo more transformation or growth than the Saiyan Prince, Vegeta. Initially, he came to Earth with the aim of collecting dragon balls to achieve immortality. However, over time, Vegeta evolved from a self-centered and arrogant individual into a character who values others and is prepared to sacrifice himself for their protection.

10.
“Higher Than 8000!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 28, “Goku’s Arrival”

Strange… His battle power is completely different from when he fought Raditz.

In the Saiyan saga, Vegeta, accompanied by his trusted comrade Nappa, clashed with Goku. Prior to this encounter, no one had managed to defeat either Nappa or Vegeta. The situation seemed grim without Goku’s unexpected return to Earth. However, thanks to his intense training regimen, Goku surpassed everyone’s expectations in terms of strength.

In the original Japanese version of this famous scene, Vegeta exclaims that Goku’s power level surpasses 8,000, astonishing him since Goku hadn’t reached anywhere close to that level during their fight against Raditz. This unexpected development marks the end of Nappa and the commencement of one of the most iconic rivalries in Dragon Ball Z.

9.
“T-Trunks… N-No…! He–Cell Is Not Going To Be Defeated By The Lower-Class Warrior Kakarrot, Nor His Son!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 189, “Cell Returns!”

It’s going… It’s going to be by me!

During his debut in Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta was often perceived as self-absorbed and self-serving. However, there’s no better illustration of his personality change than his response to Trunks’ demise at the hands of Perfect Cell. Initially, it was thought that the good guys had defeated Perfect Cell; however, his sudden reappearance took everyone by surprise, and a single attack from him proved fatal for Trunks, shifting the tide of the battle.

Overwhelmed by rage and frustration, Vegeta charges headlong into a battle he acknowledges he’ll likely lose. However, his pent-up emotions prove too strong to suppress, leading him to this confrontation. This dramatic plot twist serves to break Vegeta free from his self-centered shell, demonstrating his unexpected capacity for empathy and concern for others.

8.
“I’m The One Who Released Majin Buu, And I Will Be The One To Put Him Away”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 233, “The Losses Begin”

Settling up with you will come afterward… If I’m still alive!

In the Majin Buu saga, I grappled with the harsh reality that my own ambitions played a significant role in unleashing Majin Buu upon the world. Overwhelmed by the realization that Goku had surpassed me in every aspect, I found myself under Babidi’s control, succumbing to possession and harnessing hidden power within. At this point, my single-minded objective was to outmatch Goku in combat.

Vegeta had crossed a line, transforming back into his old selfish, arrogant persona, determined to be number one at any cost. After coming out of this frenzied state, Vegeta resolved to complete his mission, no matter the personal risk involved.

7.
“I, Vegeta-Sama, Am The Greatest In The Universe!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 104, “Frieza Defeated!!”

After suffering through the embarrassment of being alongside Frieza, finally, the moment I’ve been anticipating has arrived. It’s Goku’s turn and Frieza’s too – they’ll fall together!

If you’ve returned from what seems like the end of your life, there might be an increased sense of gratitude for life that surpasses your previous feelings. For instance, Vegeta’s return from the dead offered him another opportunity to challenge Frieza and claim the title of the strongest warrior in the universe. If not for the wish that transported him from Namek to Earth, Vegeta would have at least seized a final chance against Frieza before it was too late.

On Earth, when they announced that Frieza and Goku were caught in an explosion destroying Planet Namek, Vegeta felt triumphant. Not only had he managed to eliminate a Galactic Emperor who’d long been a thorn in his side and that of his people, but also his formidable Saiyan rival, Goku, was out of the picture. The understanding that he was now the most powerful entity in the universe filled Vegeta with uncontainable joy, causing him to laugh aloud while everyone else stared on in shock.

6.
“There’s Something I Want To Know. Do Even You Artificial Humans Tremble With Fear?”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 129, “Upgrade To Super Saiyan”

My heart was calm and still. Still and pure. However, it was purely evil.

In the Android storyline, there are numerous interconnected elements that can make it hard to remember every detail. The appearance of Trunks and his warning about the androids, Goku’s battles while dealing with a heart issue, and the fast-paced action from the androids themselves – it was an intense period filled with a lot of story development in a short span. What stood out most, though, was Vegeta’s internal conflict as he grappled with his failure to achieve Super Saiyan power like Goku and Trunks did.

One day, during an asteroid-blasting mission, Vegeta transformed into Super Saiyan, prompted by intense self-anger. He swiftly returned to Earth to challenge the androids, leveraging his new abilities to shift the battle’s tide. Many argue that Vegeta shines brightest when his arrogance is at its peak. When he inquired if androids could experience emotions like fear, it was evident they were in for a challenging ordeal.

5.
“I-I Beg Of You…! Frieza… Defeat Frieza…!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 86, “The End Of Vegeta”

Please… By your Saiyan hand…

After a fierce battle on planet Namek against Frieza, Vegeta received a fatal blow straight to his chest, signaling his impending death. True to his character, Vegeta chose to express his feelings before he met his end, and the one person he wanted to convey this to was Goku, the last surviving Saiyan.

With emotion choking him up and blood trickling from his lips, Vegeta shared his deepest feelings with Goku, recalling the pain and devastation inflicted by Frieza upon their Saiyan race. He disclosed to Goku that it was not an asteroid but Frieza who destroyed Planet Vegeta. In a plea to Goku, he implored him to end Frieza’s life, for if nothing else, the Saiyan must be the one to claim Frieza’s death.

4.
“This Is Everything To Me! It Does Not Matter To Me What Happens With Majin Buu Or Anything Else!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 229, “Vegeta’s Pride”

Despite being from the same race and sharing similar strength, he left me behind. At the pinnacle of my immense power, it was still him who rescued me. I can never forget that! Never!!

In the course of Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta’s character evolution is arguably one of the most detailed narratives within the series. Resurrected and involved in numerous grueling battles, forming a family in a short span can significantly transform any individual. However, this growth came at a cost for Vegeta – he shed a piece of his original self along the way.

When an opportunity presented itself, Vegeta chose to give in to Babidi’s possession, thereby boosting his power and reverting back to his old self prior to meeting Goku. As he witnessed others surpassing his strength, Vegeta reached a breaking point, became increasingly desperate, and stooped to new depths in an attempt to match Goku’s abilities. In the short run, Vegeta profited, but in the long run, he lost the growth and development he had cultivated over the years.

3.
“I… Wanted To Return To The Way I Was Long Ago!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 231, “Magic Ball Of Buu”

To revert back to my ruthless, unfeeling Saiyan nature, I can engage in a full-scale battle with you without any concerns, since nothing else matters!

Alongside Vegeta’s previous quote stands a counterpoint, an opposite yet complementary emotion – the profound realization he experienced under Babidi’s influence. During his battle with Goku, Vegeta acknowledges that he had been aware of his actions the moment he let Babidi seize control. Unlike the many adversaries who fell to Babidi’s sway, Vegeta retained enough strength of will to master the possession.

Vegeta wouldn’t let Babidi dictate his actions; instead, he utilized his newly acquired powers for personal gain. While keeping Goku restrained on a towering cliffside, Vegeta subtly communicated that his true aim was to revert back to his original form in order to compete with Goku at his maximum strength. He wasn’t malicious, but was determined to balance the power dynamics against the only Saiyan who ever outmatched him.

2.
“Farewell! Bulma… Trunks… and you, Kakarrot!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 237, “Final Atonement”

For enthusiasts of Dragon Ball, as well as those less familiar with the show, a pivotal moment that stands out in the entire series is Vegeta’s selfless act. Recognizing that Majin Buu was far too formidable to confront directly, Vegeta turned to a strategy he believed would definitely vanquish the pink monster. However, this strategy also meant his own demise, marking the second instance of such an event in the series.

According to legend, a second resurrection was impossible with the dragon balls, making this farewell all the more poignant. As Vegeta prepared to unleash his Final Explosion, aware of his impending demise, he took time to bid adieu to his wife, son, and Goku – those closest to his heart. This marked a significant shift in his character, as Vegeta, once a ruthless assassin, chose self-sacrifice for the greater good.

1.
“Hang In There, Kakarrot! You Are Number One!”

Dragon Ball Z, Episode 280, “Vegeta’s Respect”

Eventually, you didn’t manage to take my life. It feels as though you anticipated that I would develop even the tiniest ounce of compassion. It’s infuriating! There exists a Saiyan who revels in combat, yet shows kindness!

In this version, I tried to keep the original meaning while making it more engaging and easier to read.

In a different rendition, the final position and most significant quote on this list would have belonged to Vegeta’s Final Atonement, if not for this instance. It’s one step to sacrifice his body and life for others, but it’s an entirely different matter to openly acknowledge that he is second to Goku. This very thing transpired in the captivating episode named “Vegeta’s Respect”, a moment that Dragon Ball Z fans believed would never take place.

Watching Goku fight Kid Buu, Vegeta notes the tremendous growth in Goku, not just as a fighter but as a person, and finds himself smiling. Despite enduring extreme training regimes from another world and numerous power level boosts, Vegeta acknowledges he’ll never reach Goku’s prowess, which was previously unimaginable for him to admit. This realization encapsulates the essence of a Saiyan Prince who has spent his life striving to be the best, now content with taking the second position without any resentment in his heart.

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2025-05-21 19:13