Something big happens in every episode of Grey's Anatomy, but it's fair to say that fans remember some scenes above the rest. The same thing is true of the show's quotes. Many lines of dialogue are clever, witty, and intelligent while allowing viewers to see the character's sense of humor and strong personalities.
Grey's Anatomy is a very quotable show, as the doctors make grand gestures and long monologues on a regular basis, and many popular characters have said something profound during their time on the show. From Meredith and Derek's confessions of love to what Mark said on his deathbed, these quotes are ones that fans always think about.
"I love you, in a really really big, pretend to like your taste in music, let you eat the last piece of cheesecake..."
hold a radio over my head outside your window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you. So pick me, choose me, love me.
Meredith said this quote in the fifth episode of season 2, and it's a beloved piece of dialogue that no fan can forget.
While it was awful that Derek cheated on Addison with Meredith, this was one of the most entertaining and dramatic storylines on the show, as it pushed Meredith to confess her feelings and made a movie-style speech about how much Derek had impacted her life. Up until this moment, Meredith thought she didn't need anyone to complete her, and she realized she was wrong. Fans always enjoyed seeing grand gestures and speeches, and this was a classic one.
"You were like coming up for fresh air. It’s like I was drowning, and you saved me"
Derek said this to Meredith in the first episode of season 2, and it was the perfect thing that he could have said, as they weren't yet on solid ground. Season 1 introduced fans to Derek and Meredith's love story and by the finale, viewers found out that he was married to Addison.
When Derek said these words, Meredith knew how he felt about her, and this is just one of the many romantic quotes that Derek said during his time on Grey's Anatomy. It turns out that both characters felt that the other person saved them, as Derek found real love with Meredith and she realized she was loveable.
"I have five rules. Memorize them. Rule number one: Don't bother sucking up. I already hate you. That's not gonna change."
Bailey said this quote in the pilot episode "A Hard Day's Night" when she was explaining her five rules to the interns. The other rules included getting some sleep when possible and only waking Bailey when her patient is dying.
Fans will always remember this moment, as it was their introduction to Bailey and it also shows how much growth and change she has gone through in the series. At first, Bailey intimidated the interns, and then over time, she showed them so much compassion that they saw her as a close friend or even family.
"Don't let what he wants eclipse what you need. He's very dreamy, but he's not the sun. You are."
This season 10 quote is not only one of Cristina's most iconic but one of the best ones on the show, period.
Meredith and Derek experienced a low point in their relationship when Meredith wanted him to take a step back at work so she could pursue her passion project. When Cristina was about to leave, she said these words to Meredith, proving that while she knew that Meredith loved Derek, Meredith was the strongest and most talented doctor in their relationship. This quote changed everything for Meredith, giving her the confidence to stay on her path, and fans cherish it. Cristina's belief in her best friend proves why fans are so moved by this friendship.
"Oh, screw beautiful. I’m brilliant. If you want to appease me, compliment my brain."
This season 7 quote from Cristina is a fan favorite and it's just one of the many reasons why she is still missed today.
Whenever she spoke, Cristina could be equal parts clever and funny, but her humor often came from her strength and independence. Throughout her time on Grey's Anatomy, Cristina showed fans that she had big dreams and that while she was open to finding love, her career would always come first. This quote is even more meaningful when viewers consider that she left Seattle to run her very own hospital in Switzerland, which was a massive achievement.
"So if you don’t mind, I’m gonna keep talking relationships and rainbows and crap..."
And I’m gonna make plans for tomorrow. 'Cause that’s what you do, Karev. You make plans. You have to. You turn your back on the tiny coffins and you face forward. To the next kid.
This is one of Arizona's most memorable quotes and she said it while talking to Alex in season 5. It was a huge moment for both of them, since she was explaining that while it's always difficult for doctors to lose their patients, it's not a good idea to dwell on it and not be able to help the next patient.
Many of Arizona's quotes made fans cry, and this was an important moment in her character arc, since she proved that while she was often sunny and optimistic, she did acknowledge that working in medicine means pushing aside sad emotions and looking to the future. Many people, including Alex, might have underestimated Arizona since she was always so happy, and she proved she was tough and not to be messed with.
“I want you to promise me something. If you love someone, you tell them. Even if you’re scared that it's not the right thing, even if you’re scared that it’ll cause problems..."
even if you’re scared that it’ll burn your life to the ground. You say it, and you say it loud.
Mark's nickname at the hospital was "McSteamy," and when fans were introduced to him, they saw him as very full of himself and unable to sustain a relationship. He seemed to expect everything to always be handed to him.
When Mark was dying, he told Jackson that he had to tell someone if he felt strongly for them, and it was clear that Jackson took this advice to heart. This was a profound moment for Mark, who started his time on the show as a conceited person who didn't seem to believe in real love, and whose life changed when he realized he loved Lexie. This quote also showed Mark's growth as he explained that love was the most important thing in the world.
“It’s a beautiful day to save lives. Let’s have some fun.”
From the moment that fans first saw Derek, they knew that he was talented and extremely popular at the hospital. People called him "McDreamy" and everyone was swept up in his glory and good looks.
While Derek is a beloved character in some ways, fans are confused by some of his actions. But no matter how viewers feel about him, they can't deny that he's a gifted surgeon who inspires everyone around him, and that's especially true when he makes his classic "beautiful day" speech.
"My father believed in country the way that you believe in God. And my father is not a man who bends, but he bent for me because I'm his daughter..."
I'm a good man in a storm. I love your daughter. And I protect the things that I love. Not that I need to. She doesn't need it. She's strong, and caring, and honorable. She's who you raised her to be.
In season 6, Arizona met Callie's father, and she explained that her own dad had loved and accepted her and that she was always going to love and be there for Callie.
Fans appreciated Arizona's words, as she wanted Callie's dad to be understanding and accepting, and this was an important part of their love story, as he wasn't immediately accepting of it.
"You love me. God knows I love you. I'll be right here when you're ready."
In season 17 of Grey's Anatomy, Meredith was hospitalized with COVID-19 and Meredith saw Derek on the beach. She ran toward him and when she said that he could also run, he said that the sand wasn't real. When she fell, she joked that it seemed real, and Derek said this sweet and beautiful quote about how he loved her and was waiting for her.
Fans will never forget Derek's quote, as they missed this character and wanted some closure for this beloved couple since he passed away quickly and tragically. Season 17 was dramatic and intense, and this scene made fans happy.