Japanese meaning of 何が嫌いかより、何が好きかで自分を語れよ!

Reading:
なにがきらいかより、なにがすきかでじぶんをかたれよ! (Nani ga kirai ka yori, nani ga suki ka de jibun o katare yo!)

English Translation:

Don't define yourself by what you hate, but by what you love!

Original Scene & Cultural Context

Scene in the Original Work:


Luffy enthusiastically tells this to encourage positive self-expression based on passion and interests.
Frequently quoted on social media, especially on X(Twitter), as a humorous or gentle way to encourage positivity or discourage negativity when users overly criticize something.

Cultural Context:


特にX(Twitter)などのSNSで批判的なコメントや否定的意見に対して、ポジティブな方向へ話題を転換させたり、軽くたしなめたりするためによく引用されるフレーズ。
日本の物語に頻繁に見られる価値観(ネガティブな批判ではなく、自分の情熱や好みに基づいてポジティブに自己表現すること)を象徴する表現。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「〜より (yori)」= comparative ("rather than")
•「語れ (katare)」= imperative form "speak/express," strongly urging action or expression

Trap for English Speakers

The imperative form「語れ」might feel overly direct; it's used positively here to encourage authenticity.

Example

Basic Example

会話が愚痴っぽくなった時に友達に、
「何が嫌いかより、何が好きかで語ろうぜ!」

When conversation becomes too negative:
'Let’s talk about what we love, not what we hate!'