Basis, means and cause

～てこそ

only by ...ing; it is only when ... that

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How to form it

  • Verb (て-form) + こそ + positive result

Register: Neutral to formal

Explanation

Says that a good result or true value appears only when something is actually done.

Positive and encouraging. It stresses that the action is necessary for the result to be real.

Examples

  1. 苦労してこそ、本当の喜びがわかる。

    くろうしてこそ、ほんとうのよろこびがわかる。

    Only through hardship do you understand real joy.

  2. 実際に使ってこそ、この道具の良さがわかる。

    じっさいにつかってこそ、このどうぐのよさがわかる。

    It is only by actually using it that you appreciate this tool.

  3. 努力を続けてこそ、成長できる。

    どりょくをつづけてこそ、せいちょうできる。

    Only by continuing to make an effort can you grow.

Compare with

  • ～てはじめて: てはじめて reports a realisation after an experience; てこそ says the value appears only through the action.

Common mistakes

  • Following it with a negative result. It leads to a positive conclusion.