Why didn't Gohan turn Super Saiyan on planet namek?

[joopson]

There is no "in plot reasoning". It's simply because this was Goku's moment.

[chrystobalcas]

In that time the things necessary to become ss you needed to have the necessary s cells, the necessary ki and the anger came out

[jestawell]

its more so power thing, Goku had witnessed many very upsetting and heart wrenching things, but didnt go super saiyan. He did so when he had the power and motivation to do so. Once a Saiyan sees another go super saiyan its a lot easier for them

[arures]

I am not exactly sure why.
In my opinion, at the time this was being written, to attain SSJ you would need to:

1. Have a pretty high base level (100 x GRAVITY + GYNIU FIGHT + FRIEZA FIGHT)
2. Have good Ki control (KAIOKEN)
3. Rage, while being pure hearted.(FINAL TRIGGER but there were other trauma going on, Vegeta and the planet/race stuff)

Gohan simply wasn't ready.
Both strength and emotional wise.

But then there's Goten (he got SSJ without even knowing what that was btw)..Now that's interesting

[SlwCity]

Hmmm not quiet. Goku turning super Saiyan was a legendary event that reopened the gate to that power. It's more like how goku could fly but used nimbos because he's never seen it be done by someone that looked like him.

[Alien]

Gohan power level was WAY TOO LOW for him to have sniffed Super Saiyan at that point. Goku’s power level was high enough at that point, along with the strong emotional trigger that was caused by Frieza killing Krillin

[RifatRifat-pbbw]

He is 5 or 6 years kid he is more of terrified rather rage plus seeing krilin like that once with him plus everyone was down except his father then he was next target the he was more of kid to afraid of it

[Srbthegoat]

It's because Gohan knows that namek dragon ball can revive dead people mean while Goku didn't knew so he thought that krilln is dead forever

[beginization]

Gohan would have to go through giant ape stage before SS.