こそ
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
For sure
For certain
Even more so
Underlined or bolded text
Usage
Noun + こそ
い-adjective (dictionary form) + こそ
な-adjective + こそ
Verb (dictionary form) + こそ
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.
私こそ真実を知っている。
わたしこそしんじつをしっている。
I am the one who knows the truth.
今日こそ選挙に行く。
きょうこそせんきょにいく。
Today, I will definitely go vote.
彼こそ友達だ。
かれこそともだちだ。
He is, and only he, my friend.
大変なときこそ笑顔だ。
たいへんなときこそえがおだ。
It is precisely in tough times that we should smile.
彼女こそ私の先生だ。
かのじょこそわたしのせんせいだ。
She, and she alone, is my teacher.
そんなことは私こそ知らない。
そんなことはわたしこそしらない。
I’m the one who doesn’t know such a thing.