Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verb こそすれ (~koso sure)

Verb こそすれ (~koso sure)

Short explanation:

Expresses 'the extent or degree of doing something is so much that...' or 'does enough to...'

Formation:

Verb-ます stem + こそすれ

Examples:

彼は友達を助けることこそすれ、自分を卑下することはありません。
Kare wa tomodachi o tasukeru koto koso sure, jibun o hika suru koto wa arimasen.
He does enough to help his friends but he never belittles himself.
彼女は料理することこそすれ、掃除は殆どしない。
Kanojo wa ryouri suru koto koso sure, souji wa hotondo shinai.
She does enough cooking, but she hardly ever cleans.
私の兄は勉強することこそすれ、遊ぶ時間がほとんどない。
Watashi no ani wa benkyou suru koto koso sure, asobu jikan ga hotondo nai.
My brother studies so much that he hardly has any time to play.
母は働くことこそすれ、自分のために時間を使うことはほとんどない。
Haha wa hataraku koto koso sure, jibun no tame ni jikan o tsukau koto wa hotondo nai.
My mother works so much that she hardly finds time for herself.

Long explanation:

The Verbこそすれ grammar point is used to express the idea that the action or state represented by the verb is performed to such an extent or degree that it is notable or significant. This phrase often indicates that something is done enough to arouse specific feelings or reactions from others.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

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

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

Introduction

The grammar point こそすれ (~koso sure) is used to indicate a strong affirmation of a particular action or state, while simultaneously suggesting that something else is not the case or contrasting it with another expectation. This phrase is often used to express special emphasis on a certain aspect.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: こそすれ implies "it may be [the case], but..." or "I can’t deny that..., however..." It places emphasis on a specific component, suggesting that while one point is valid, there is a contrasting point that should also be considered.
  • Structure:
    • The structure of こそすれ involves using the stem form of a verb followed by こそすれ.
    • Basic Formation:
      • Verb (stem) + こそすれ

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + こそすれ
Example: 行く (iku) → 行こそすれ (iko koso sure)

Visual Aids

Verb Type Example Verb Stem Form Full Form Meaning
Group 1 行く 行こ 行こそすれ "I will go, but..."
Group 2 食べる 食べ 食べこそすれ "I eat, but..."
Irregular する しこそすれ "I do, but..."

Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Grammar Points:
    • Verb ばかりではなく (ばかりではなく - bakoari dewa naku): Indicates something is not just as one would expect.
    • とは言え (とはいえ - to wa ie): Indicates a contrast similar to koso sure, but without the strong emphasis on the first part.

Differences

  • こそすれ places a stronger focus on what is true before introducing the contrasting element, while ばかりではなく and とは言え are more neutral in their acknowledgment of differing perspectives.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:
    • この映画は面白い。内容こそすれ、演技がちょっと弱いと思う。
    • Translation: "This movie is interesting. While the content is good, I think the acting is a bit weak."
  2. Informal:
    • あいつはちょっと怖いけど、信頼こそすれ、優しいよ。
    • Translation: "That guy is a bit scary, but trust me, he’s nice."
  3. Written:
    • 彼の努力は評価されるべきだ。結果こそすれ、プロセスは重要だ。
    • Translation: "His efforts should be recognized. Though the results are important, the process is also significant."
  4. Spoken:
    • この料理は美味しいけど、見た目こそすれ、作るのは簡単じゃないね。
    • Translation: "This dish is delicious, but while it looks good, it's not easy to make."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the use of こそすれ reflects the nuances of politeness and respect for feelings. Emphasizing a positive aspect while gently contrasting it with a critique showcases a level of indirectness valued in communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

An idiomatic expression that could relate to this is:

  • 良いところは良いとして (Yoi tokoro wa yoi to shite): "Let’s say what’s good is good; however…"

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Frequent Errors: A common mistake is misplacing こそすれ before unrelated subjects or failing to use the verb stem correctly.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "こそ" sounds like "co," which can remind you to "connect" and emphasize the specific point before bringing in a contrasting aspect.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • こそすれ is used to emphasize a positive point while introducing a contrast.
  • It takes the stem form of verbs for construction.
  • It suggests a kind of respectful disagreement or acknowledgment of weaknesses.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the basic structure of こそすれ?
  2. How does こそすれ differ from とは言え?
  3. Provide an original example sentence using こそすれ in a formal context. These exercises can help reinforce understanding and application of the grammar point こそすれ.
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