こそ
Emphasis / Indeed
koso
TypeFocus
JLPT Leveln3
Summary
Adds strong emphasis to the preceding element, meaning 'precisely', 'indeed', or 'is the very thing'.
Usage Rules
- •Emphasises the preceding word: 'precisely X', 'X indeed'
- •Used in set phrases: こちらこそ (likewise), 今日こそ (today for sure)
- •〜ばこそ = precisely because (emphatic reason)
- •〜からこそ = exactly because
- •〜てこそ = only after/if
- •Often used in polite expressions and thanks
Example Sentences
こちらこそよろしくおねがいします。
Likewise, nice to meet you.
今日こそおわらせる。
I will finish it today, for sure.
すきだからこそやめさせた。
It is precisely because I care that I made you quit.
どりょくしてこそせいこうする。
Only through effort can you succeed.
これこそほんとうのしあわせだ。
This is true happiness.
Common Mistake
Overusing こそ in everyday speech — it is quite emphatic and can sound dramatic.