Shirimono Logo
Shirimono
Log inSign up
GRAMMAR
〜こそ
for sure (emphasis)
Explanation
NOTE

〜こそ is an emphatic particle meaning for sure or this is exactly the one. It singles out what is most important.

今年ことしこそ合格ごうかくしてみせる。
This year for sure, I will pass.
Used here to emphasize the specific time period in which the speaker is determined to achieve their goal.
NOTE

It often carries sincerity or strong conviction. Common: こちらこそ (it's I who should say that) or 今年こそ (this year for sure).

STRUCTURE
N辞
こそ
努力どりょくこそ成功せいこうへの道みちだ。
Doryoku koso seikou e no michi da.
Hard work is precisely the path to success.
こちらこそ、ありがとうございます。
Kochira koso, arigatou gozaimasu.
No, it is I who should thank you.
あなたこそ本当ほんとうの友達ともだちだ。
Anata koso hontou no tomodachi da.
You are exactly a true friend.

Practice exercises

1
今度こんどこそ絶対ぜったいに勝かつ。
Next time for sure, I will absolutely win.
Answer
こそ
2
経験けいけんこそ最高さいこうの先生せんせいだ。
Experience is precisely the best teacher.
Answer
こそ
3
健康けんこうこそ一番いちばんの宝たからだ。
Health is exactly the greatest treasure.
Answer
こそ
4
今年ことしこそ絶対ぜったいに合格ごうかくする。
This year for sure, I'll absolutely pass.
Answer
こそ
5
あなたこそ本当ほんとうの友達ともだちだ。
You are exactly a true friend.
Answer
こそ
6
努力どりょくこそ成功せいこうへの道みちだ。
Hard work is precisely the path to success.
Answer
こそ
7
経験けいけんこそ最高さいこうの教師きょうしだ。
Experience is precisely the best teacher.
Answer
こそ
8
謙虚けんきょさこそ真しんの強つよさを生うむ。
Humility is precisely what gives birth to true strength.
Answer
こそ