Luffy Quotes We Won’t Ever Forget

The world of One Piece is filled to the brim with peculiar characters, but none are more memorable than its main character, Monkey D. Luffy. Over the course of 25 years, he has left an indelible mark on not only the Grand Line but the entire anime medium, gaining a reputation as one of the most beloved characters in shonen history.

Although Monkey D. Luffy isn’t always the most eloquent character, he’s still spawned a variety of memorable quotes during his time as a pirate. His moral compass and free spirit are much-needed addition to the jaded world of One Piece, and thanks to his well-traveled nature, his words often give life to many of the ideals that the World Government tries to suppress.

Updated on August 27, 2024, by Natasha Elder: One Piece is one of the best anime to have been created in large part due to the main character, Luffy. If he wasn’t as engaging, and as inspiring, as he is, then fans wouldn’t have remained engaged in the way they have for decades. We wanted to highlight more moments where Luffy proved why he is a leader that draws others to him, as well as more images that depicts his inspiring spirit.

20 “As Long As I Live, There Are Infinite Chances!”

Episode 1051, Wano Country Arc, “A Legend All Over Again! Luffy’s Fist Roars in the Sky!”

As long as I live, there are infinite chances!

Monkey D. Luffy is well-known for his relentless determination. Despite smiling constantly and laughing with just as much frequency, he becomes deadly serious when the going gets tough. One of the more recent moments in which Luffy had to overcome his previous limitations was during his fight against Kaido during the Wano Country Arc. Although he was knocked unconscious on multiple occasions, and even launched off of Onigashima entirely, he didn’t give up.

This Luffy quote perfectly encapsulates the determination that led to him ultimately winning the fight against Kaido. He correctly acknowledged that the only thing as long as he lived, Kaido hadn’t actually won, as he could keep coming back. It was this drive that led to him awakening his Devil Fruit in one, presumably final, power up that will most likely have to carry him through the end of the epic. This quote also serves as a reminder to fans to keep trying, because a temporary defeat is just that, temporary.

19 “I Wanna Live in a World Where All My Friends Can Eat…”

Episode 1076, Wano Country Arc, “The World that Luffy Wants!”

I wanna live in a world where all my friends can eat all the meat they want!

Despite his claims against being a hero, Luffy ardently believes in a world of prosperity for everyone, but especially for those he claims as a friend. Given that the bar to be Luffy’s friend is incredibly low, this basically translates into a wish for everyone that isn’t actively harming others to be able to eat freely. This Monkey D. Luffy quote was said during his fight against Kaido, but was certainly inspired by the poverty and starving people he saw in Okobore Town and Ebisu Town.

This Luffy dialogue also demonstrates how deeply he cares for his fellow Straw Hats. Throughout the show, he has been willing to sacrifice himself in order to help his crewmates. While he most obviously does so when rescuing Nami, Robin and Sanji, it is obvious he would do the same for any of the other members, as well. Viewers of One Piece can similarly support their friends in their endeavors, thus helping them to achieve their dreams.

18 “I am the Man Who Will Surpass You!”

Episode 126, Alabasta Arc, “I Will Surpass You, Rain Falls on Alabasta!”

I am the man who will surpass you!

Sir Crocodile is the first big bad that the Straw Hats face after entering the Grand Line. While Luffy and his crew encounter Baroque Works prior to their arrival in Alabasta, where Crocodile lived at the time, it was all leading to their inevitable fight against the at-the-time Warlord of the Sea. Luffy is initially defeated by Crocodile, being dehydrated and left for dead in the desert, but that didn’t stop the Captain of the Straw Hats from returning to face Crocodile again.

While Crocodile and Luffy are fighting, the Warlord taunts Luffy, asserting how he’ll never amount to anything. Instead of getting distracted from the words, Luffy slams Crocodile’s poisoned hook into the ground with his foot and confidently asserts that he will surpass the other, inspiring fans to work hard to overcome their own struggles in the process. The two eventually work together again in a surprising turn of events, especially given Crocodile’s seemingly permanent departure from the show, and it becomes clear Luffy has, indeed, continued surpassing Crocodile’s power.

17 “Say You Want to Live!”

Episode 278, Enies Lobby Arc, “Say You Want to Live! We Are Friends!”

Robin! We still haven’t heard you say it! Say you want to live!

Nico Robin’s “I want to live” moment is understandably iconic, especially given her uniquely tragic childhood. However, it is Luffy’s continuous insistence that she say so that led to her admitting her hidden desire. Despite the fact that Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats had already infiltrated Enies Lobby in order to stage a rescue for their navigator, he wanted her to be the one to ultimately state that she wanted to be saved.

This Monkey D. Luffy quote is an important reminder that hope ultimately needs to come from within. Support from friends and family is integral when going through difficult times, but one also needs to find the will to keep persevering, themselves. In this way, Luffy’s insistence that Robin be the one to admit she not only deserves to live, but wants to, is vital.

16 “…Anyone Who Tries to Make Everyone Happy is Admirable.”

Episode 1098, Egghead Island Arc, “The Eccentric Dream of a Genius!”

No, anyone who tries to make everyone happy is admirable.

Egghead Island presented a stark contrast to Wano Country, as well as the rest of the islands that the Straw Hats had travelled to, due to the significantly more advanced technology. Luffy and Chopper were two of the most obviously impressed with the technological advancements, but Luffy was far less impressed when Dr. Vegapunk was talking about his dream, at least on the surface.

Despite not understanding the more scientific terms, Luffy ultimately says this bit of dialogue. No matter the specifics, anyone that wants to pursue a goal that makes others happy is worthy of respect. This speaks to Luffy’s dream, as well. While the specifics of Luffy’s dream are still unclear, he is dedicated to helping his crew achieve theirs, which seems to tie into the overall idea of freedom that Luffy consistently praises.

15 “If You Don’t Take Risks, You Can’t Create a Future.”

Clockwork Island Adventure

If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future.

Monkey D. Luffy is a brash individual, but that doesn’t mean he’s unaware of the risks that his actions entail. During Clockwork Island Adventure, a non-canon film released in 2001, Luffy even addresses the inherent relationship between risk and reward while talking to one of the characters in the film, Akisu. Akisu is constantly afraid, which leads to Luffy eventually telling him this quote.

Throughout his journey across the Grand Line, One Piece‘s protagonist has repeatedly risked his life for the sake of his crew, his friends and his dreams. Without those risks, there’s no way that Luffy’s future would look nearly as bright as it currently does. While not every gamble has gone in his favor, being separated from his crew for two years one of the more significant instances, Luffy is ultimately much better off because of his risk-taking ways.

14 “If You Don’t Want the Negative Reputation, You Shouldn’t Be a Pirate.”

Episode 15, Syrup Village Arc, “Defeat Kuro! Usopp’s Tear-Filled Determination!”

If you don’t want the negative reputation, you shouldn’t be a pirate!

Being a pirate in the One Piece world is incredibly dangerous, and it’s not a line of work that anybody should enter into lightly. No one understands this better than Monkey D. Luffy despite his lighthearted demeanor. In fact, Luffy steadfastly reminds other pirates of the inherent risks associated with their profession. He is reminding each pirate that doubts their path, as well as the viewer, that they should think of the of their decisions before embarking on a specific pathway.

During one of One Piece‘s earlier arc, the Syrup Village Arc, Luffy meets Captain Kuro, a pirate posing as the butler to Lady Kaya. When Luffy and Captain Kuro inevitably clash, Kuro states how much he detested the constant pursuit of Marines and bounty hunters that were a result of his infamy, prompting the Straw Hat Pirate to remind him of what he signed up for. While fans aren’t looking to be pirates, and are hopefully not engaging in anything resulting in a negative reputation, this Luffy quote is also a good reminder to stick to one’s convictions no matter what happens.

13 “Don’t You Dare Make My Navigator Cry!”

Episode 38, Arlong Arc Park, “Luffy in Trouble! Fish-Men vs. Luffy Pirates!”

Don’t you dare make my navigator cry!

Monkey D. Luffy’s quotes about his crew are almost always inspirational, especially since they embody the power of friendship that is so vital to One Piece‘s narrative. Even when Nami pushes her captain away during the Arlong Park Arc, he protects her best interests, promising to do whatever he needs to save her village.

As Nami breaks down into tears from the pain that Arlong has caused her village, Luffy places his hat on her head and vows to defeat the fish-man who made her cry. From this quote, it’s clear that Luffy already saw Nami as his true navigator, even if she hadn’t embraced the role yet. His dedication to his friends inspires the same loyalty in viewers of the show, as they see his consistent and quick willingness to jump to his crewmates’ defense.

12 “I’m Pretty Sure I Can’t Live Without Being Helped!”

Episode 42, Arlong Arc Park, “Bursting Out! Fish-Man Arlong, Fearsome Attack from the Sea!”

I’m pretty sure I can’t live without being helped.

Arlong is one of the first characters in One Piece to legitimately challenge Monkey D. Luffy in a fight, even if the series’ protagonist does ultimately emerge victorious. At one point, after the leader of the Arlong Pirates gains the upper hand, he mocks Luffy for his reliance on his crewmates. However, ignoring Arlong’s hypocrisy, as he relies on and cares for Hatchan and Kuroobi, Arlong’s perception of Luffy still couldn’t have been further from the truth.

The Straw Hat Pirate’s strength comes from his relationships with his crewmates, and as a result of his bonds, he’s able to rise to the challenge against villains like Arlong. His easy admittance of his dependence on others is a good reminder that everyone needs help, and that asking for it is not a shameful action, but rather a natural one.

11 “Don’t You Think You’re Being Too Soft-Hearted?”

Episode 104, Alabasta Arc, “Luffy vs. Vivi! A Tearful Vow for Comrades!”

Don’t you think you’re being too soft-hearted?

The Straw Hat Pirates’ captain may be a dreamer, but he is also a realist when it comes to recognizing the necessary sacrifices to succeed. During the Alabasta Arc, Princess Vivi divulges how she wants to liberate her country from the clutches of the nefarious Sir Crocodile without having any casualties, especially among the Straw Hats, who she feels responsible for bringing along. In a shocking moment, Monkey D. Luffy scoffs at those ideals.

Rather than blindly supporting Vivi, as might have been expected from a character so dedicated to his friends, Luffy informs her that, as the ruler of Alabasta Kingdom, she needs to be a little more realistic. In times of war, there will be deaths, and while it’s a gut-wrenching truth, it is one that she must be prepared for, because true friends stick with each other even when situations aren’t easy.

10 “Don’t Have Any Regrets, No Matter What Happens.”

Episode 236, Water 7 Arc, “Luffy vs. Usopp! The Spirit of the Clashing Men”

You came without fear. Don’t have any regrets, no matter what happens. This is the duel you wanted.

For the most part, the Straw Hat Pirates are extremely unified, having developed life-long bonds during their time sailing the Grand Line. However, that doesn’t mean they’re without inner conflict, as evidenced by Usopp’s dissent throughout the Water 7 Saga. Usopp, unhappy with some of Luffy’s recent decisions, challenges his captain to a duel, but at the last moment, he gets cold feet.

At this point, the Straw Hat Pirates’ captain challenges his sniper to follow through on his convictions, beginning one of the most trying periods of One Piece for the Straw Hat Pirates. This quote doesn’t just serve as the lead-in to a fight that fundamentally shifts Usopp’s character, but also reflects how Luffy lives his own life — always doing the best he can so that and attacking without fear so that he can live without regret.

9 “Bring it On!”

Episode 284, Enies Lobby Arc, “The Blueprints Aren’t Passed! Franky’s Decision”

Many of Monkey D. Luffy’s best quotes stem completely from his confidence and self-assuredness. He’s stubbornly determined to accomplish his goals, and he won’t let even the World Government itself intimidate him or prevent the Straw Hat Pirate’s from achieving their goals. Only three words, “Bring it on” is a succinct and accurate representation of Luffy’s attitude throughout One Piece.

During his assault on Enies Lobby, Luffy eventually faces off against Rob Lucci, one of the most deadly soldiers in the history of the World Government. Without batting an eye, he challenges the CP9 agent to action despite his recent loss to the other, proving that he’ll do anything to protect his friends. This fearlessness is an admirable trait, even in scenarios where death is not quite as close as it is for Luffy in this situation.

8 “If It’s A Boring Adventure, I Don’t Want To Do It.”

Episode 400, Sabaody Archipelago Arc, “Roger and Rayleigh — The Pirate King and His Right Hand”

If it’s a boring adventure, I don’t want to do it.

Like many pirates of the Worst Generation, including the incredibly strong Supernovas, Monkey D. Luffy has spent most of his life fantasizing about the One Piece. The legendary treasure represents the Straw Hat Captain’s greatest dream, so one might assume that he would take any help he could get to reach his goal quickly. However, he’s instead averse to having information about it spoiled for him.

When the Straw Hat Pirates encounter Silvers Rayleigh during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, the former member of the Roger Pirates offers to tell the crew what the One Piece truly is. Luffy immediately rejects this idea, demonstrating that the journey is just as important as the destination to him. Luffy would probably have felt that his retrieval of the One Piece was unearned had he accepted Rayleigh’s help.

7 “I Don’t Want To Rule Anything.”

Episode 400, Sabaody Archipelago Arc, “Roger and Rayleigh — The Pirate King and His Right Hand”

I don’t want to rule anything. Being King of the Pirates is about being more free than anyone.

In many ways, Monkey D. Luffy significantly deviates from other shōnen protagonists, not the least of which is due to his goal. The future King of the Pirates prides himself on being free, so it’s only natural that’s what he would interpret from such a title as King of the Pirates is the ability to become the freest man on the seas, rather than the most powerful.

In a conversation with Shakky on Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hat Pirate proudly states that he has no intention of ruling anything, which is in stark shonen protagonists such as Naruto or Deku, who want to assume positions of responsibility. Instead, Luffy simply wants to be the freest man in the world, and he will do anything to bring this goal to fruition.

6 “Friends Or Enemies, Huh?”

Episode 553, Fish-Man Island Arc, “Shirahoshi’s Tears! Luffy Finally Appears”

Friends or enemies, huh? Don’t ask me, ’cause I’d say it’s up to you!

Monkey D. Luffy knows that he’s a pirate, therefore he’s keenly aware that he will always have a polarizing reputation attached to his name. While on Fish-Man Island, the Straw Hat Pirates eventually arrive to stop Hordy Jones and his crew from wreaking havoc, prompting the island’s residents to ask if he was a friend or foe. The Fish-Man residents’ hesitance to trust Luffy also stems from the fact that Madam Shyarly, whose predictions are never wrong, foretold the destruction of Fish-Man Island by Luffy’s hands.

Rather than sugarcoating his answer, Luffy tells the people of Fish-Man Island to evaluate his crew for themselves. This mature answer is exactly the type of response that separates the Straw Hat Pirate from most anime protagonists, as well as speaks to the maturity that he gained over the two-years that he was separated from the rest of his crew following the events at Marineford. It also reminds the fans that others will form their own opinions no matter what, so there is no point in trying to change their minds by being someone that they’re not.

5 “Being Alone Is More Painful Than Getting Hurt.”

Episode 495, Impel Down Arc, “I Won’t Run — Ace’s Desperation Rescue Operation”

Being alone is more painful than being hurt.

Despite his burning desire to protect those close to him, Monkey D. Luffy hasn’t always been successful in stopping the World Government or other pirates from hurting his loved ones. In fact, arguably his most important moment of character development occurs after the death of Portgas D. Ace during the Marineford Arc. His closeness to Ace, as well as his failure to protect not only Ace, but also his crew prior to these events, led to the worst sequence of events Luffy had gone through.

For the first time in his life, Luffy feels truly alone after being separated from his crew and witnessing Ace’s death. He laments this position during his recovery, using it as motivation to grow much stronger during One Piece‘s two-year timeskip. This admittance followed by Luffy’s subsequent determination to improve is an inspiring example of the fact that even the darkest moments can fuel a brighter future.

4 “My Meat Is Mine!”

Episode 554, Fish-Man Island Arc, “Big Clash! Straw Hat Pirates vs. 100,000 Opponents”

Pirates will have a banquet and dig right in, but a hero would give it to other people. Screw that — My meat Is mine!

Monkey D. Luffy is a great, benevolent person, but at his core, he’ll always be a trouble-making pirate that has earned his high bounty. This is part of what makes him so endearing — he refuses to compromise who he is for the sake of conventionality or tradition. Never is this more obvious than during Luffy’s argument with Jinbe after the Straw Hat Pirates arrived at Fish-Man Island.

When Jinbe tells the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates that the people of Fish-Man Island need a hero, the rubber man immediately rejects the label. Luffy states that his actions don’t stem from a sense of altruism, they come from his personal convictions. This might seem like a small distinction, but it’s one that speaks to the core of Luffy’s individualistic perspective.

3 “Whenever You Guys Are In Trouble, Call Us!”

Episode 745, Dressrosa Arc, “Son’s Cups — Straw Hat Fleets Is Formed”

I don’t have to be a boss — whenever you guys are in trouble, call us!

Despite being captain of a ship, Monkey D. Luffy never has had a desire to mandate an entire Straw Hat Grand Fleet, or even override the decisions of his crewmates on the Thousand Sunny. After Bartolomeo, Cavendish and many others from the Dresrossa tournament form an alliance to serve Luffy, the Straw Hat Pirate flatly refuses, claiming that he isn’t the type to boss others around.

Monkey D. Luffy’s relationships are defined by a sense of equality, and he would never ask that anyone listen to his every word, as it would compromise their freedom. If the Straw Hat Grand Fleet is going to follow his command, it’s going to be because they chose to — not because he told them. This Luffy quote emphasizes the fact that he always wants an even exchange of friendship instead of any sense of debt in his relationships.

2 “Screwing With Our Friend Means Screwing With Us!”

Episode 1085, Wano Country Arc, “The Last Curtain! Luffy and Momonosuke’s Vow”

When things get tough, remember the adventure of the sea! Fly that over the land of Wano! Screwing with our friend means screwing with us.

Once Luffy won his iconic showdown against Kaido, Momonosuke assumed his role as Wano’s Shogun. Though Momo claimed his authoritative role over his country, he still became distraught at the thought of separating from Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats. As Momo breaks down, Luffy reassures him. He lets him know that even though he’s grown up physically, they still know he’s cowardly. At this moment, Luffy asks Usopp if the flag is ready.

Luffy then presents Momonosuke with a flag that has the Straw Hat logo and tells him to fly it over their land. Momo is moved because he knows this means that Luffy has declared their land Straw Hat territory, and they are forever under his protection. Luffy has made several familial bonds throughout his journey and inspired many of Wano’s citizens, and Momo is another example. Luffy sees Momo as his little brother, and fans everywhere were moved by this declaration. Luffy once again faced impossible odds, and not only did he win his fight, but he furthered his title in the New World while doing it.

1 “I’m Going To Become King Of The Pirates!”

Episode 1, Romance Dawn Arc, “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become The Pirate King!”

It’s not about whether I can or not. I’m gonna do it because I want to. I’ve decided to be the King of the Pirates, so if I die fighting for that, that’s fine with me!

In the very first episode of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy meets Koby, a young boy who dreams of one day joining the Marines. However, his meek personality and aversion to risk have prevented him from doing so, making his encounter with Luffy the most important of his life. Not only does this Monkey D. Luffy quote serve to make his goals clear to the audience, it is an inspiring declaration of dedication.

When Koby asks the Straw Hat Pirate why he’s so comfortable proclaiming that he’ll become the King of the Pirates, Luffy calmly states that he’s prepared to risk anything — including his life — to achieve his goal. Ultimately, this quote inspires Koby to join the Marines, proving that it’s incredibly important to never give up one’s dreams no matter how ridiculous they might seem on the surface.