Kakashi Hatake is one of the most revered names in the Naruto universe. Recognized as a skilled Jonin and dubbed the Copycat Ninja, Kakashi would become a respected Hokage. However, the shinobi started as a mentor for Naruto Uzumaki and the rest of Team 7.
Despite his uncanny ability to arrive late at any function and obsession with adult novels, Kakashi underwent one of the best character arcs in the anime. Initially an arrogant ninja, Kakashi grew into a respectable shinobi. Throughout Naruto, Kakashi has uttered several thought-provoking quotes and delivered some of the best one-liners in the entire series.
Updated on June 30, 2023, by Mayra García: Even now, Kakashi remains one of the most respectable characters in Naruto. Although he was always less solemn than most teachers, he still has some incredible quotes that work as beautiful life lessons, even when they are jokes. This list has been updated to comply with CBR’s standards.
“If You Don’t Want It, It Becomes You.”
Season 3, Episode 8: “Bitter Rivals and Broken Bonds”
Some people want power, but they get angry when they don’t get it. They take their fury out on everyone else around them. However, if you don’t want it, it becomes you.
Those who actively seek power aren’t the ones who should receive such status. While they truly crave a spot at the top, the power-hungry are typically the types to abuse their power. They feel entitled to it, and if they don’t get their way, everybody around them will feel their wrath. However, people who desire power the least are the ones who should truly be in charge.
“Every Day, I Eat, Sleep, & Worry About Stupid Things.”
Kakashi Hiden, Page 188
Every day, I eat, sleep, and worry about stupid things. My job is to ensure that these kids have as many days as possible where they can be idiots like this.
When a person becomes Hokage, they hold the highest power in their village. While some would expect Hokage to act high and mighty, Kakashi didn’t change after becoming Hokage. He took this new title earnestly and understood its implications. Kakashi always had a straightforward way of expressing himself. Additionally, he feels relatable because he openly admits to enjoying life’s simplicity. However, he understands the importance of protecting his people.
“The Nail That Sticks Up Gets Hammered Down.”
Season 1, Episode 5: “You Failed! Kakashi’s Final Decision”
They say that the nail that sticks up will get hammered down.
When Kakashi first met Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the three ninjas had to undergo a test to prove their worth as Genin. In this case, they were challenged with taking two bells from Kakashi within a set time limit. This test put them through the wringer on the first day. Sasuke stepped up to the challenge. However, he arrogantly believed that he stood a chance against the Jonin because he wasn’t anything like his peers. After Kakashi swiftly proved Sasuke wrong by catching him with his Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu, he acknowledged the ninja’s skills and unique qualities. However, he reminded Sasuke that different isn’t inherently better.
“Those Without Many Abilities Tend To Complain More.”
Season 1, Episode 4: “Pass or Fail: Survival Test”
In society, the ones without many abilities tend to complain more.
Kakashi has certainly never been the type to sugarcoat his opinions for the sake of others. Though he can appear quite harsh, he’s usually correct. Objectively, not everybody is born with the agility and power necessary to become a shinobi. However, those who genuinely seek to become one will put in the time and effort to achieve their goals. When Kakashi said this, he wasn’t criticizing those born without such strengths. However, he condemned those who lack the perseverance and determination to hone their abilities.
“Those Who Don’t Have The Decency To Respect The Memories Of Their Comrades Are The Worst.”
Season 1, Episode 5: “You Failed! Kakashi’s Final Decision”
Those who would disregard their comrades so easily are worse than trash. Those who don’t even have the decency to respect the memories of their comrades are just the worst.
Kakashi respects the rules of the shinobi world, but he also adheres to his own moral compass. If one breaks the written and unwritten rules of the shinobi world, they’re considered scum and are essentially ousted. However, Kakashi believes that dishonoring and abandoning one’s friends makes that person significantly less respectable than the average rulebreaker.
“Today, I Got Lost On The Road Of Life.”
Season 1, Episode 20: “A New Chapter Begins: The Chunin Exam!”
Hello, students. Today, I got lost on the road of life.
One thing about Kakashi-sensei is that the man never runs out of excuses for being fashionably late. However, this quote stands out from his long roster of creative excuses. It’s a simple excuse, but since it’s one of the first things the shinobi says in Naruto, it leaves the audience curious about him. It seemed odd that such a carefree guy was left in charge of a trio with such strong personalities. However, Kakashi soon proved himself the best mentor for this group of bold ninjas.
“As For My Hobbies…I Have Lots Of Hobbies.”
Season 1, Episode 4: “Pass or Fail: Survival Test”
I’m Kakashi Hatake. Things I like and things I hate? I don’t feel like telling you that. My dreams for the future? I’ve never really considered that. As for my hobbies… I have lots of hobbies.
When Kakashi asked his students to introduce themselves, Sakura protested. She argued that the three of them knew nothing about him. They didn’t know what he liked or disliked, his hobbies, or his goals. Kakashi delivered a sarcastic introduction that put his dry sense of humor on full display.
“You’re A Bunch Of Idiots.”
Season 1, Episode 4: “Pass or Fail: Survival Test”
Hmm…How do I put this? My first impression of this group — you’re a bunch of idiots.
Since Kakashi was already running late for his first meeting with his students, Naruto thought it’d be funny to prank him by sticking an eraser in the doorway so it would fall on his head after he entered. The prank worked, despite Sasuke and Sakura’s skepticism. After meeting Team 7 for the first time, Kakashi didn’t hold back from telling his students how he felt about them.
“You Think You Get It, But That’s Not The Same As Actually Getting It.”
Season 1, Episode 4: “Pass or Fail: Survival Test”
No, you don’t get it. I’m telling you this because you don’t. You think you get it, but that’s not the same as actually getting it. Get it?
After Naruto mistakenly declared that he understood what Kakashi meant when he said that a ninja must be able to see through deception, he was quickly corrected. Though he sounded condescending, Kakashi explained that believing that you understand something isn’t the same as actually comprehending the concept in the grand scheme of things.
“It’ll Be A Miracle!”
Season 1, Episode 4: “Pass or Fail: Survival Test”
If I’m still sane by the time I finish their training, it’ll be a miracle.
One of Kakashi’s funniest one-liners in Naruto was when he realized that training Team 7 to be proficient ninjas certainly wasn’t going to be an easy task. While he always saw their potential, Kakashi had an amusing way of showing it. Though this quote is only in the English dub, it’s still hilarious.
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