Sasuke used to call Naruto Dobe, which meant loser or idiot in English. This nickname came from a very early part of the series when the young boys were rivals. It shows us that during the beginning stages of their training.
Sasuke realized that Naruto could be competitive, so they gave him this nickname. Over time as their relationship was growing, it changed them from rivalries to good friends and then something like brothers were almost related but not so related.
So, then, the nickname does eventually sound be a more Affectionate name rather than just a normal insult.
Why Does Sasuke Call Naruto “Dobe”?
Dobe is initially a Japanese slang that is normally equivalent to the word loser or idiot. So when Sasuke was using it, he referred to Naruto as an idiot or a loser who was poor.
Naruto initially had a poor performance during his training days at the academy. So, at that time, Sasuke looked at Naruto as nothing more than an unworthy ninja. That’s why he called Naruto a “dobe”, as his goofiness made him look like an idiot.
The Evolution of Their Relationship: From Rivals to Brothers
There is a time in the series when Sasuke and Naruto become friends from rivalries. And this also shifts the context of Sasuke calling Naruto a dobe. The term, which was a derogatory remark for Naruto, turned into the one consisting of the undertones of affection and brotherly love.
- Early Days at the Academy: During their early days at the Academy, Sasuke calls Naruto a dobe because he is annoyed by Naruto’s presence, which is much opposite of him.
- Growing Respect: With time, when Naruto started demonstrating his firm determination, power and bravery, it changed Sasuke’s perception of seeing Naruto as an indispensable ally rather than a dobe that is a loser.
Key Moments in “Naruto” highlighting the meaning of “dobe.”
A few moments in the series will show us how the words dope or idiot shifted according to Sasuke’s vocabulary.
1. Chunin Exams:
During the Chunin exams, Sasuke actually began to realize Naruto’s abilities, and he knew that Naruto’s dedication would make him a strong ninja.
Though he continued to call him Dobe, there was a bit of respect for the name, which ended the nickname as something different rather than just meaning a goofball.
2. Sasuke’s Defection:
When Sasuke leaves Hidden Leaf to pursue more power from Orochimaru, he undergoes one last battle with Naruto. This battle begins with rivalry intensity, but it is charged with a lot of emotional intensity with timely.
So, when Sasuke uses the word Dobe, it demonstrates his frustration towards Naruto due to his constant efforts to bring Sasuke back.
3. Final Battle at the Valley of the End:
By the end of their final battle, The term dobe was initially used as a means of teasing Naruto turned into a means of mutual respect. It also meant they shared a deeper connection regarding struggles and past rather than being rivals.
Their Legacy: Brotherhood Beyond Names
In the series, “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations”, the next generations of nato, we see Sasuke and Naruto have grown up as mature adults. Sasuke rarely uses the word dobe in their interactions, but when he does, it is mainly for creating a bit of light moment. So, this reflects a full circle of how deep and strong Naruto and Sasuke’s bond has become. They were once rivals.
Conclusion
So, now you know that Sasuke used to call Naruto a dobe, which meant an idiot. In the beginning, Sasuke would initially call Naruto a dobe out of frustration as he sees him as a strong competitor. But with time this nickname got a touch of affection when they both turn into good friends from rivalries.
