Japanese grammar
What does ～こそ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～こそ means precisely; especially; indeed (emphatic focus on that specific thing).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + こそ |
| Romaji | koso |
| Meaning | precisely; especially; indeed (emphatic focus on that specific thing) |
Forming it
| Noun | 今年 + こそ |
|---|---|
| Pronoun | こちら + こそ |
How to use it
Emphasizes that a noun/point in time is "precisely that one, not something else".
- 「～こそ」 emphasizes and highlights a noun or point in time: "it is PRECISELY..., truly...". It implicitly excludes other possibilities.
- Often used to express determination (今年こそ = this year for sure) or to return a courtesy (こちらこそ = it is I who should).
- Different from ordinary 「は／が」: 「こそ」 adds an emphatic, emotional nuance.
Examples
今年こそ、試験に合格したいです。
This year for sure, I want to pass the exam.
こちらこそ、ありがとうございます。
It is I who should thank you.
Keep in mind
- 「今年こそ」, 「今度こそ」 express determination after several failed attempts.
- 「～ばこそ」 (formal) means "precisely because..."; the core N3 point is emphasizing the noun.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong今年こそが合格したい。
This year, I must pass for sure.
Correct今年こそ合格したい。
「こそ」 already carries emphasis by itself; 「が」 is usually not added right after it (今年こそ).
-
Wrong失敗したから、今度こそあきらめる。
I failed, but this time I will definitely make it.
Correct失敗したが、今度こそ成功させる。
「今度こそ」 carries a nuance of DETERMINATION to achieve something, fitting a positive clause, not "giving up".
Exam tips
- 「こそ」 = emphasizes "precisely"; 「今年こそ／今度こそ」 = determination; 「こちらこそ」 = returning a courtesy.