こそ
Meanings
- For sure
- For certain
- Even more so
- Underlined or bolded text
About this pattern
Explanation
こそ is a strong emphasis particle used to single out and highlight the word or phrase it attaches to. It marks the element as especially true, important, or surprising, often contrasting with other possibilities or expectations. It can create a sense of exclusivity: Xこそ is the thing you want to emphasize as the real thing, the one that matters, or the one that is true in contrast to others. It is common in assertions, resolutions, or rhetorical statements, and it frequently shifts the nuance from a general statement to a pinpointed assertion.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I am the one who knows the truth.
Today, I will definitely go vote.
He is, and only he, my friend.
It is precisely in tough times that we should smile.
She, and she alone, is my teacher.
I’m the one who doesn’t know such a thing.
Keep studying
More N3 patterns
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View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details