When thinking of the Dragon Ball series, images of Goku’s raw power or Vegeta’s relentless drive likely spring to mind. However, few characters embody the spirit of resilience, humor, and camaraderie as much as Krillin does. Despite his “human” limitations in a world dominated by Saiyan prowess and cosmic villains, Krillin consistently shines as one of the most relatable and enduring figures in the series.
One of the most peculiar aspects of Krillin’s character—and a topic of ongoing debate within the fan community—is his height. Why does his size fluctuate across episodes? How tall is he officially? And, more importantly, does his stature affect his significance in the Dragon Ball universe? Let’s explore the intriguing story behind his physical stature and how it has come to play a unique role in the series.
Who Is Krillin in Dragon Ball?
Krillin, originally introduced in Dragon Ball, quickly became one of Goku’s closest allies after their training under Master Roshi. This pint-sized warrior might first appear as comic relief, but his character proves to be deep and multifaceted.
Krillin is:
- One of Earth’s strongest human fighters.
- Courageous in the face of danger, fighting villains far more powerful than himself.
- A symbol of the underdog, earning him respect and relatability among fans.
Throughout the series, Krillin grows from being Goku’s cheeky rival to a devoted father, husband to Android 18, and a family man who never hesitates to put himself on the line for those he loves.
How Tall Is Krillin?
Let’s address the burning question upfront—Krillin’s official height is 5 feet (153 cm) according to Dragon Ball Super guidebooks. This makes him noticeably shorter than many characters, including:
- Goku, who stands at 5’9” (175 cm).
- Vegeta, at 5’4” (164 cm).
- Even Bulma, who measures 5’5” (165 cm).
This height, while not extraordinary in real-world terms, places Krillin among the shorter characters in the Dragon Ball universe.
How Krillin’s Height Compares to Other Characters
To better visualize, here’s how Krillin stacks up against others in the series:
- Shorter than: Vegeta (5’4”), Goku (5’9”), Android 18 (5’6”).
- Taller than: Goten and Trunks (both around 4’0” to 4’3”), Chiaotzu (4’6”).
However, as fans have noticed, Krillin’s height occasionally appears inconsistent. Some episodes depict him nearly as short as Goten or as towering only slightly above Chiaotzu.
Does Krillin’s Height Change Across Series Timelines?
Yes—and no. On paper, Krillin’s height remains fixed at 5’0”. But visually, his stature has fluctuated throughout the franchise, including:
- Dragon Ball Z – Early seasons styled Krillin shorter compared to adult Saiyans. Particularly in the Saiyan and Namek arcs, he’s often shown as strikingly small, perhaps to emphasize his “normal” Earthling status.
- Dragon Ball Super – His height appeared more proportional to other characters in domestic scenes.
- Dragon Ball Movies – Variations in animation styles across the films sometimes left Krillin’s height inconsistent.
Why the variation? Likely due to differences in artistic perspectives and scene framing. Episodes with comedic elements often exaggerated his small stature, enhancing his underdog and “everyman” persona.
Krillin Through the Years
Krillin’s stature becomes even more intriguing when viewed alongside the timeline of his life:
Dragon Ball (Age 13–14)
This is where it all began. Krillin, a scrappy and confident teen, trained alongside a young Goku under the tutelage of Master Roshi. Despite his lack of natural talent compared to his Saiyan friend, Krillin quickly proved his worth, standing toe-to-toe with martial artists far taller and stronger.
Dragon Ball Z (Ages 25–31)
During the Saiyan Saga, Android Saga, and other iconic arcs, Krillin matured into a capable fighter. He faced unimaginable threats like Vegeta, Freeza, and the Androids, earning battle scars (and his family) along the way. Notably, he displayed protective instincts, emphasizing that his small frame belied his strength and courage.
Dragon Ball Super (Ages 42+)
Krillin’s role evolved to include moments of comic relief and tender family scenes with Android 18 and Marron. Animation often highlighted his shorter silhouette as a way to balance humor while reinforcing his badassery during battles like the Tournament of Power.
The Factors Behind Krillin’s Stature
Why Did They Make Krillin Short?
Creator Akira Toriyama reportedly designed Krillin’s character with deliberate physical contrasts to boost narrative impact. His smaller stature:
- Highlights his resilience as a fighter.
- Brings comic relief to otherwise tense moments.
- Stems from his Shaolin monk inspirations, reflecting principles of focus and humility transcending physical size.
What About His Six Forehead Dots?
The six dots on Krillin’s forehead are a nod to the moxibustion burns practiced by Shaolin monks, further elevating his design as a martial artist grounded in real-world traditions. These dots symbolize simplicity, focus, and spiritual discipline—all fitting traits for a fighter like Krillin.
Why Krillin Stays Resilient Despite His Height
What makes Krillin remarkable isn’t his height—it’s his character. His cleverness, martial arts techniques like the famed Destructo Disc, and occasional victories over villains showcase a spirit far bigger than his 5-foot stature.
He has:
- Saved Goku’s life countless times.
- Become one of the most relatable characters to fans, representing human effort in a Saiyan-dominated series.
- Built a balanced life with his family, while still proving his value on the battlefield.
Conclusion
While his height may make him a source of jokes within the Dragon Ball universe, Krillin’s legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide. From his early days as Goku’s rival to his continued adventures with the Z Fighters, Krillin proves that stature is irrelevant when it comes to courage, loyalty, and heart.
Next time someone questions the role of this “short king,” remind them that none of Goku’s battles—and victories—would’ve been possible without Krillin’s unwavering support.
FAQs
Why did they make Krillin short?
Krillin’s shorter stature in the Dragon Ball series wasn’t just a quirky design choice; it was a deliberate artistic and story-driven decision. By making Krillin shorter than most characters, the creators accentuated his role as a relatable human fighter amidst towering Saiyans and powerful aliens.
His height symbolizes his humanity and underdog status, reinforcing his courage and determination. It helps fans connect with him on a deeper level, showcasing that even an “ordinary” human can achieve greatness through grit and heart.
What are the 6 dots on Krillin’s head?
The six dots on Krillin’s head are a reference to traditional Shaolin monk practices. These dots, often created through a burning incense ritual, represent discipline, focus, and dedication to martial arts.
By incorporating this detail into Krillin’s design, the creators emphasized his identity as a skilled martial artist trained in a disciplined and spiritual way. The dots serve as a testament to his past training at the Orin Temple and highlight his connection to Earth’s rich martial arts traditions.
Who is stronger, Goku or Krillin?
While Krillin is undoubtedly one of the strongest human fighters in the Dragon Ball universe, Goku is typically portrayed as being much stronger, thanks to his Saiyan heritage and constant Super Saiyan transformations.
However, Krillin’s quick thinking and intelligence have allowed him to hold his own in battles and support Goku and the Z Fighters in crucial moments. His clever use of techniques like the Destructo Disc and Solar Flare has proven that strength isn’t everything, making Krillin a key part of the team’s success on numerous occasions.
What does Krillin mean in Japanese?
Krillin’s Japanese name, “Kuririn,” is a playful combination of “kuri” (chestnut) and “rin.” The term “kuri” is a nod to Krillin’s bald, round head that resembles the shape of a chestnut.
Meanwhile, “rin” ties back to the traditions of Shaolin monks, reflecting his martial arts background. This name encapsulates both his unique appearance and his disciplined, spiritual approach to martial practice, making it a fitting representation of his character.
