Japanese grammar
What does ～こそすれ（動詞） mean? Japanese grammar N1
～こそすれ（動詞） means may indeed… but definitely not… (with verbs).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vます形 + こそすれ + ～ない |
| Romaji | kososure(doushi) |
| Meaning | may indeed… but definitely not… (with verbs) |
Forming it
| Verb (masu-stem) | 助け + こそすれ / 増え + こそすれ |
|---|
How to use it
The same pattern as 「こそすれ」 but attaches to the verb's MASU-STEM; the following clause must be negative.
- 「Vます形＋こそすれ」 = "only does A, and absolutely not B". The following clause MUST negate the opposite.
- The same pattern as 「N＋こそすれ」 (see 「～こそすれ」), differing only in how it attaches.
- Common pairs: 「助けこそすれ、邪魔はしない」, 「増えこそすれ、減りはしない」.
Examples
彼は友人を助けこそすれ、裏切ることはしない。
He would help a friend, never betray one.
負担は増えこそすれ、減りはしないだろう。
The burden will only increase; it certainly won’t decrease.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the MASU-STEM.
- The following clause MUST be negative.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong助けこそすれ、裏切る。
I only helped, and yet betrayed him.
Correct助けこそすれ、裏切らない。
The following clause MUST negate the opposite.
-
Wrong助けるこそすれ、裏切らない。
I only help, and would never betray.
Correct助けこそすれ、裏切らない。
The verb attaches via the MASU-STEM (助け), not the dictionary form.
Exam tips
- 「Vます形＋こそすれ」 = the same pattern as 「こそすれ」, attaching to the masu-stem; the following clause is negative.