Detective Conan (Case Closed) by Gosho Aoyama follows Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective turned child, alias Conan Edogawa, solving crimes while seeking a cure. Below are 21 iconic quotes from the series, each paired with the context in which they were said, capturing what makes them memorable.
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
– Shinichi Kudo
Shinichi says this early in the series during a case at a mansion, explaining his deductive process to Ran and Kogoro as he narrows down suspects in a locked-room murder, emphasizing logic over assumptions.
“A detective who corners a culprit with their reasoning and drives them to suicide in front of himself is no different than a murderer.”
– Shinichi Kudo
Reflecting after a case where a culprit takes their own life upon being exposed, Shinichi speaks to Ran on a quiet evening, grappling with the moral weight of his role as a detective.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect person in this world.”
– Shinichi Kudo
During a school festival case, Shinichi reassures a classmate who feels inferior, saying this while solving a theft mystery, highlighting human flaws amid the investigation.
“Zero is where everything starts! Nothing would ever be born if we didn’t depart from there!”
– Shinichi Kudo
Shinichi encourages a disheartened inventor during a tech expo case, where a sabotage plot unfolds, using this line to inspire perseverance while uncovering the saboteur.
“Idiot… There’s no win or lose in this, no higher or lower… There is always… only ONE truth.”
– Shinichi Kudo
In a heated confrontation with a rival detective during a high-profile murder case, Shinichi snaps this line, frustrated by their competitive attitude, as he focuses on solving a complex poisoning.
“Courage is a word that gives you the strength to do what’s right, you should not use it as an excuse to murder someone.”
– Ran Mouri
Ran confronts a killer in a dojo murder case, who claims their actions were brave, saying this as she protects a victim, showcasing her moral strength before Conan intervenes.
“People can really change. When they’re far away from each other, their hearts will change. It’s so cruel that the only thing I can do is wait.”
– Ran Mouri
Ran says this tearfully to Sonoko at a café, reflecting on Shinichi’s prolonged absence while unaware he’s nearby as Conan, during a case involving a missing person.
“If you have faith and wait, he’ll definitely come back. A lover will never betray you.”
– Ran Mouri
During a romantic festival case, Ran reassures a woman doubting her fiancé’s loyalty, speaking from her own hope about Shinichi, as Conan solves a related theft nearby.
“Don’t judge people from the outside. Like any rose has thorns, the more the person appears nice on the outside, the more you should doubt the inside.”
– Ai Haibara
Ai warns Conan about a seemingly kind scientist during a lab sabotage case, her suspicion stemming from her Black Organization experience, as they uncover a traitor.
“People have emotions. A troublesome attribute that’s not only invisible, but also changes easily.”
– Ai Haibara
Ai muses this to Conan in a hospital waiting room after a case where a suspect’s emotions led to betrayal, reflecting her struggle with trust post-investigation.
“Life is limited, that’s why it’s so precious. Since there’s a limit, we try our best to live.”
– Heiji Hattori
Heiji says this to Kazuha during a mountain lodge murder case, after narrowly escaping danger, contemplating life’s value as they assist Conan in solving the crime.
“Humans are suspicious and jealous creatures. When they see something perfect, they wanna find a flaw.”
– Heiji Hattori
Heiji grumbles this to Conan during a celebrity murder case, observing how envy drove the crime, as they piece together clues at a glamorous event.
“Words are like knives… If you use it the wrong way it transforms into a bad weapon.”
– Shakuren (a priest)
The priest says this to Conan in a temple murder case, after overhearing a suspect’s harsh words that incited violence, guiding Conan toward the motive.
“If I told her how I feel, she’d miss me even more. After all, I’m the guy who keeps breaking her heart by making her wait an eternity… even though I’m always by her side.”
– Shinichi Kudo
Shinichi (as Conan) thinks this during a quiet moment watching Ran at school, unable to confess due to his secret, while they’re tangled in a classmate’s blackmail case.
“Fear of death is worse than death itself.”
– Shuichi Akai
Shuichi says this to Conan during a dangerous mission against the Black Organization, standing firm in a sniper’s crosshairs, embodying his fearless resolve to protect others.
“I don’t know what reason you have to do bad to someone. But for me, I don’t need any reason to do good to someone.”
– Ran Mouri
Ran says this to a bitter suspect in a charity event vandalism case, defending her choice to help others selflessly, as Conan uncovers the motive behind the suspect’s actions.