This word makes the thing before it special. It means 'exactly this one' or 'only this one'.
Noun + こそPrimary
Verb [て-form] + こそ
Clause + から + こそ
This word makes the thing before it special. It means 'exactly this one' or 'only this one'.
今年こそ、日本語能力試験N1に合格するぞ！
This year for sure, I'm going to pass the JLPT N1!
苦しい時こそ、本当の友情が試される。
It is precisely in difficult times that true friendship is tested.
毎日練習したからこそ、試合に勝てたんです。
It's precisely because I practiced every day that I was able to win the match.
こちらこそ、いつもお世話になっております。
It is I, rather, who is always in your care. (A common polite business greeting)
見た目こそ良くないが、この料理の味は本物だ。
It may not look good, but the taste of this dish is the real deal.
This word makes something stand out. It points to one thing as the most important. It's like saying 'this one thing, and nothing else'.
This is different from "wa" or "ga". "Koso" makes the word before it much stronger. It means "only this one" or "this is the most important." It is also different from "shika...nai." "Shika...nai" means "I only have this." It sounds like you wish you had more. "Koso" means "This is the right one!" It shows you are happy with your choice.
Use this when you want to return a feeling. For example, if someone thanks you, you can say "No, thank *you*". It politely gives the thanks back to them.
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