こそ

Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word こそ

Freq #259

Particle; Emphasizes preceding word or phrase

it is ... that ...; precisely; in particular; definitely; for sure; only (when, after, because, etc.)

Examples

辛抱こそ大事なんだ。

It's patience that counts.

こだわりはお客に伝わってこそ意味をなす。

Care over the particulars only has meaning once it gets across to customers.

Particle; As こそあれ, こそすれ, こそするが, etc.

although; while; it is the case that ... but

Examples

彼は年こそ若いが十分その仕事をやっていける。

Young as he is, he is equal to the task.

Particle; After conditional -ba form of verb

it is precisely because ... that ...; only because ...

Examples

君のためを思えばこそこう言ってるんだ。

It is precisely because I have your best interests at heart that I am saying this.

Formal or literary term; Particle; After -nai stem of verb + ば

not at all; not in the slightest; absolutely not; never

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