| Summary | “Omae wa mou shindeiru” means “You are already dead.” It’s a legendary line from the 1980s anime Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken), spoken by the protagonist Kenshiro just before his enemies explode or fall. The phrase is usually followed by the opponent’s shocked reply: “Nani!?” (“What!?”). It became iconic for its cool delivery, dramatic timing, and later, meme status. |
| Genre | Anime |
| Typical Age Group | 20–50 years old |
| Audience | Anime lovers |
| Popularity | ★★★☆☆ The phrase is widely recognized both in Japan and internationally, particularly among anime and meme communities. It has been parodied in games, YouTube videos, and even Western media. |
| Relevance | ★★★☆☆ |
| Usability | ★★★☆☆ |
| When to Use | When joking after “defeating” someone in a game |
| How to Use | Stare confidently at someone, then slowly say: “Omae wa mou… shindeiru.” |
| Cultural Note | The line comes from Fist of the North Star, a post-apocalyptic martial arts anime from the 1980s. Kenshiro uses a deadly pressure-point technique that causes enemies to die moments later—hence the delayed punchline. The phrase became a meme due to its dramatic buildup and explosive payoff. It represents a blend of classic Japanese shonen tropes and modern internet remix culture. |
Original Performance
You can hear this phrase at around 21:06 in the YouTube video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gplh7VWmsng&t=1259s