~ばこそ
Meanings
- Precisely because
- Only because
- Because (emphatic)
- Only if (emphatic)
About this pattern
Explanation
~ばこそ is a strong, formal pattern used to emphasize that a certain reason or condition is the very cause or prerequisite for something. It often contrasts with other possible reasons, underscoring that X is exactly why Y happens. It appears in written or formal speech, and in careful, persuasive contexts where the speaker wants to highlight the necessity or exclusivity of the given reason. Use it when you want to stress that the circumstance is not just a contributing factor, but the key reason. Typical triggers include adverbial or noun phrases that set up a clear cause, followed by こそ-less common after からこそ or こそ following a conditional form. The form is relatively formal and literary, so it’s less common in casual conversation.
Learn in context
Example sentences
It is precisely because there are difficulties that people can grow.
Only by taking action now can change occur.
It is precisely him that is our leader.
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More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
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