Emphasis, criticism and nuance

～こそ

precisely; the very; (this) is the one

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How to form it

  • Noun + こそ
  • Noun + でこそ
  • Verb (て-form) + こそ

Register: Neutral; used for emphasis

Explanation

Emphasises a particular person, thing or time as the real or best example. It also appears in set expressions such as こちらこそ and 今年こそ.

Strong emphasis, often with resolve ('this year for sure') or with a polite return ('likewise').

Examples

  1. こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。

    こちらこそ、よろしくおねがいします。

    No, the pleasure is mine. Please treat me well.

  2. 今年こそ、合格したい。

    ことしこそ、ごうかくしたい。

    I really want to pass this year.

  3. 彼こそ、リーダーにふさわしい人だ。

    かれこそ、リーダーにふさわしいひとだ。

    He is exactly the right person to be the leader.

Compare with

  • ～からこそ: からこそ emphasises a reason; こそ emphasises a noun.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing こそ (emphasis) with からこそ (reason). Use からこそ for 'precisely because'.