千と千尋の神隠し
Spirited Away - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
一度あったことは忘れないものさ、思い出せないだけで。 (Ichido atta koto wa wasurenai mono sa, omoidasenai dake de.)
— Zeniba
Context:
Zeniba says this to Chihiro at her cottage when Chihiro is struggling to remember Haku. This encouragement helps Chihiro later recall her memory of falling into the Kohaku River, which in turn helps her remember Haku's true name and set him free.
Meaning:
Translated as, "Once you've met someone, you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return." This quote speaks to the enduring impact of relationships and experiences. It suggests that memories and connections are never truly lost, merely buried, and can be rediscovered. It reinforces the central theme of identity and memory in the film.
お前の本当の名前は… コハク川だ！ (Omae no hontō no namae wa... Kohakugawa da!)
— Chihiro
Context:
As Haku flies Chihiro back to the bathhouse from Zeniba's home, a memory surfaces for Chihiro of when she fell into a river as a small child but was safely washed ashore. She realizes the river was named Kohaku, and that Haku is its spirit. Upon hearing his name, Haku's dragon form shatters away, and he becomes free.
Meaning:
Translated as, "Your real name... is the Kohaku River!" This is a climactic line where Chihiro finally remembers Haku's true identity. The act of speaking his name is the key to his liberation, symbolizing the power of memory, connection, and identity to break spells and overcome oppression.
ここで働かせてください！ (Koko de hatarakasete kudasai!)
— Chihiro
Context:
Following Haku's instructions, Chihiro confronts the boiler man Kamaji and then the formidable witch Yubaba, repeatedly asking for a job. Despite Yubaba's intimidation and refusal, Chihiro's persistence eventually forces the witch to grant her a contract, as Yubaba is bound by an oath to give work to anyone who asks for it.
Meaning:
Translated as, "Please let me work here!" This simple, repeated plea represents Chihiro's first major act of courage and defiance. In a terrifying new world, she overcomes her fear and insists on a right to exist through labor, as Haku instructed her. It marks the beginning of her transformation from a passive child to a determined individual.