Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~てこそ (〜te koso)

~てこそ (〜te koso)

Short explanation:

Emphasizes the condition; 'only when', 'precisely because'

Formation:

Verb-てform + こそ, い-adjective + くてこそ, な-adjective + でこそ, Noun + でこそ

Examples:

勉強してこそ、テストに合格します。
Benkyou shite koso, tesuto ni goukaku shimasu.
Only when you study will you pass the test.
素直になってこそ、相手の気持ちが分かります。
Sunao ni natte koso, aite no kimochi ga wakarimasu.
Only when you become honest can you understand the other person's feelings.
静かでこそ、心が落ち着く。
Shizuka de koso, kokoro ga ochitsuku.
Only when it's quiet does the heart settle down.
友達でこそ、お互いのために助け合いましょう。
Tomodachi de koso, otagai no tame ni tasuke aimashou.
Only as friends should we help each other.

Long explanation:

The ~てこそ grammar point is used to emphasize the importance of the condition mentioned before it. It can be translated as 'only when' or 'precisely because' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~てこそ (〜te koso)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~てこそ (〜te koso)

~てこそ (〜te koso)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~てこそ (〜te koso) is an expressive way to emphasize that only by doing a certain action or only when a particular condition is met can a desired result or state be achieved. It's often translated as "only when" or "now that".


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • Emphasis on Necessity: Indicates that something can only happen when a specific action is taken.
  • "Only when...": Used to highlight that the condition is essential for the result.

Structure

Verb (て-form) + こそ
~て こそ

Formation Diagram

[Verb in て-form] + こそ
  • Example: 努力して + こそ = 努力してこそ

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 〜てはじめて (〜te hajimete)

Both ~てこそ and 〜てはじめて can be translated as "only when" or "not until". However:

  • ~てこそ emphasizes the importance or value of the preceding action for the following result.
  • 〜てはじめて indicates that something happens for the first time after the preceding action. Example:
  • ~てこそ: 親になってこそ、親の苦労がわかる。
    • (Only when you become a parent can you understand the hardships of parents.)
  • 〜てはじめて: 親になってはじめて、親の苦労がわかった。
    • (It wasn't until I became a parent that I understood the hardships of parents.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 努力してこそ、成功できる。
    • Only through hard work can you succeed.
  2. 相手の話を聞いてこそ、理解が深まる。
    • Only by listening to others can your understanding deepen.
  3. 自分でやってみてこそ、その難しさがわかる。
    • Only when you try it yourself can you understand how difficult it is.
  4. 困ったときに助け合ってこそ、真の友だ。
    • Only by helping each other in times of trouble are you true friends.
  5. 海外に住んでみてこそ、その国の文化が理解できる。
    • Only by living abroad can you truly understand the culture of that country.

Contextual Usage

  • Formal Written: 学んでこそ、知識は深まるものだ。
    • Only by studying does knowledge deepen.
  • Informal Spoken: みんなで協力してこそ、いい結果が出せるよ。
    • Only by working together can we get good results.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, emphasis is often placed on effort, humility, and the importance of experience. The use of ~てこそ reflects the idea that certain understandings or achievements are only attainable through specific experiences or actions.

Politeness and Formality

  • ~てこそ is neutral in politeness.
  • Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the overall politeness depends on the surrounding language.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 苦労してこそ人は成長する。
    • It's only through hardship that people grow.
  • 失敗してこそ成功の味がわかる。
    • Only by failing can you appreciate the taste of success.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect: 大学を卒業してこそ、就職します。
    • This suggests that only by graduating can one get a job, but doesn't fit natural usage.
  • Correct Usage: 大学を卒業してはじめて、就職します。
    • It is only after graduating from university that I will start working. Tip: Use ~てこそ when emphasizing the value or importance of the action as necessary for the result.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of "こそ" as "key" – the preceding action is the key to the following result.
  • Practice: Create sentences where the first action is crucial for the second to happen.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~てこそ is used to emphasize that only when a certain action is done can a specific result be achieved.
  • It highlights the importance and necessity of the preceding action.
  • Be careful not to confuse with 〜てはじめて, which indicates something happens for the first time after the action.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: ____________、本当の気持ちが伝わる。
    • (Only by expressing yourself can your true feelings be communicated.)
  2. True or False: ~てこそ can be used interchangeably with 〜てはじめて in all contexts.
  3. Correct the mistake: 日本に行ってこそ、日本語を勉強します。
Answers 1. **自分の気持ちを言ってこそ、本当の気持ちが伝わる。** 2. **False**. They have similar meanings but are used differently. 3. **日本に行ってはじめて、日本語を勉強します。** - Or, if emphasizing that only by going to Japan can you study Japanese deeply: - **日本に行ってこそ、日本語を深く学べる。**
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