Processing keyword: Noun こそすれ (~koso sure)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun こそすれ (~koso sure)

JLPT Grammar Point: Noun こそすれ (~koso sure)

1. Introduction

The grammar point こそすれ (~koso sure) is used in Japanese to emphasize a contrast or unexpected outcome. It is often used to highlight that while one thing may be true or certain, another aspect is definitely not true or doesn't apply.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • Noun + こそすれ
  • Translation: "It is... that, but..."

This structure emphasizes the noun and indicates that something unexpected may occur in relation to that noun. It conveys a sense of contradiction or counterpoint.

Illustration of Structure

• Formation Diagram:

[Noun] + こそすれ + [Contrasting Statement]

Example Breakdown

• Example: 勉強こそすれ、遊びはしない。
  • Translation: "While I do study, I definitely do not play." In this example, the speaker emphasizes their studying, while asserting that they do not engage in playing.

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:

  • ではなくて (de wa nakute): This is used to negate an expectation but is less emphasis on the subject and more about the predicate.

  • ばかりか (bakari ka): Though it also indicates contrast, it suggests addition (not only this but also that) rather than sole negation or counterpoint.

Comparison Table

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • 仕事こそすれ、遊びには行きません。
   • Translation: "It is work that I will do, but I definitely won’t go out to play."

2. Informal Context:

   • 遊びこそすれ、勉強しないなんて信じられない！
   • Translation: "I can’t believe you’d play, but not study!"

3. Written Context:

   • 努力こそすれ、成功は当たり前ではありません。
   • Translation: "It is effort that leads to success, but it is not guaranteed."

4. Spoken Context:

   • 彼は優れた選手こそすれ、スポーツが楽しいとは思わない。
   • Translation: "He is a great player, but he doesn’t think sports are fun."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This grammar point is often used in conversations and written texts to draw attention to contrasts, reflecting the Japanese value on subtlety and context. Emphasizing one aspect while negating another is considered a polite way to express a viewpoint without being too direct.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 自分のペースこそすれ、周りに合わせる必要はない。
  • Translation: "It is fine to go at your own pace, but there’s no need to conform to others."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Using こそすれ with a positive statement followed by another positive statement.
  • Incorrect: 東京こそすれ、大阪も楽しい。
  • Correct: 東京こそすれ、大阪は楽しくない。

Learning Strategies

• Remember こそすれ as a way to emphasize the first part of the sentence while negating or contradicting the latter part. Think of it as stressing what is good or true while saying, "but not this other thing."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• こそすれ is used to emphasize a noun and indicate the unexpected or contradictory nature of another statement.
• It showcases nuances in conversational Japanese, balancing politeness and clarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does こそすれ emphasize in a sentence?
2. How is こそすれ different from ではなくて?
3. Give an example of a sentence using こそすれ in a formal context. This concludes the detailed explanation of the grammar point こそすれ. I hope this helps you understand its usage better!