～こそ
Emphasize exactly this person, thing, or reason
You’ll be able to strongly emphasize the person, thing, or reason that matters most.
こちらこそ、いつも運転してくれてありがとう。
kochira koso, itsumo unten shite kurete arigatou.
What do you think this sentence means?
It is I who should thank you for always doing the driving.
Strong emphasis on the exact thing
～こそ means “exactly,” “indeed,” or “it is ... that.” It adds strong focus to the word before it. In greetings or replies, こちらこそ returns appreciation with emphasis.
今年こそ、日本語の試験に合格したいです。
kotoshi koso, nihongo no shiken ni goukaku shitai desu.
This year, for sure, I want to pass the Japanese exam.
失敗したからこそ、たくさん学びました。
shippai shita kara koso, takusan manabimashita.
It is precisely because I failed that I learned a lot.
Attach it to the focused item
Attach こそ to a noun or pronoun. It often replaces は or が, and it can follow particles such as に, から, and で to emphasize the preceding element.
今こそ行動するときです。
ima koso koudou suru toki desu.
Now is exactly the time to take action.
今度こそ、遅刻しないように気をつけます。
kondo koso, chikoku shinai you ni ki o tsukemasu.
This time for sure, I’ll be careful not to be late.
「ご協力ありがとうございました。」「いえ、こちらこそお世話になりました。」
“gokyouryoku arigatou gozaimashita.” “ie, kochira koso osewa ni narimashita.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.” “Not at all, it’s we who should thank you.”
家族がいるからこそ、毎日仕事を頑張れる。
kazoku ga iru kara koso, mainichi shigoto o ganbareru.
It’s precisely because I have a family that I can work hard every day.
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