Why Does Vegeta Never Call Goku by His Name?
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In the Dragon Ball series, one thing fans quickly notice is that Vegeta never calls Goku by his Earth name. Instead, he always refers to him as Kakarot. But why? Is it out of pride, rivalry, or something deeper? Let’s dive into this unique aspect of Vegeta’s character and what it really means.
1. Saiyan Pride: Goku’s True Name Is Kakarot
Vegeta is one of the last remaining Saiyans, and Saiyan pride is everything to him. To Vegeta, the idea that Goku—a low-class Saiyan—grew up on Earth and adopted an Earthling name is disrespectful to their heritage.
- Kakarot is Goku’s birth name, given to him by his Saiyan parents, Bardock and Gine.
- Vegeta sees it as an insult that Goku doesn’t embrace his Saiyan roots.
- By calling him Kakarot, Vegeta is constantly reminding him, “You are a Saiyan, not an Earthling.”
💡 For Vegeta, the Saiyan identity is something to be honored, while Goku seems to ignore it completely.
2. A Rivalry That Runs Deep
From the moment Vegeta meets Goku on Earth, he sees him as his greatest rival. However, Vegeta was raised to believe in a strict Saiyan hierarchy, where high-class warriors like himself were superior to low-class warriors like Goku.
But Goku proves him wrong by repeatedly surpassing him in strength. This wounds Vegeta’s pride, and by calling him Kakarot, it’s almost like he’s challenging him to embrace his true Saiyan nature and fight as a true warrior.
🔥 Every time Vegeta says “Kakarot,” it’s a reminder of their rivalry and a push for Goku to take their battles seriously.
3. Vegeta’s Growth: From Hatred to Respect
Initially, Vegeta despised Goku for being a “low-class Saiyan” who somehow kept defeating powerful foes. But over time, he grew to respect him as the strongest fighter in the universe.
- Even when they’re allies, Vegeta never stops calling him Kakarot.
- This isn’t out of hate anymore—it’s out of respect.
- He sees Goku as the only worthy opponent he has left.
💙 In a way, calling him Kakarot is now a term of recognition—it’s Vegeta’s way of admitting that Goku is his equal, or even his superior.
4. When Has Vegeta Actually Said "Goku"?
Though extremely rare, there have been moments when Vegeta has called Goku by his Earth name.
- In the Tournament of Power (Dragon Ball Super), Vegeta briefly refers to Goku by his Earth name when he’s talking to someone else.
- In the Majin Buu saga, right before he sacrifices himself, Vegeta acknowledges Goku’s strength with deep respect, almost saying “Goku” before correcting himself.
These rare instances show that deep down, Vegeta understands Goku’s Earth identity—but he chooses to acknowledge his Saiyan heritage instead.
Final Thoughts: A Name That Holds Meaning
Vegeta’s refusal to call Goku by his Earth name is a powerful part of their dynamic. It’s not just about stubbornness—it’s about pride, rivalry, and respect.
🥊 Calling him Kakarot keeps their Saiyan bond alive.
🔥 It reminds them both that they are warriors, destined to push each other further.
💙 It shows that despite all their differences, Vegeta and Goku share a connection deeper than words.
So next time Vegeta yells, “KAKAROT!”—just know, it’s more than just a name. It’s a challenge, a rivalry, and a sign of respect all in one. 👊🏼🔥
