こそ

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word こそ. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word こそ, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say こそ in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word こそ you have here. The definition of the word こそ will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofこそ, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
See also: こぞ and ごぞ

Japanese

Etymology

From Old Japanese.

Possibly derived from 此 (ko, “this”) + そ (so, Old Japanese emphatic particle). (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?)

Particle

こそ • (koso) 

  1. emphatic particle used for emphasis: it is ... that
    今日(きょう)こそ、やるぞ！
    Kyō koso, yaru zo!
    Today is the day I'm gonna do it!
    君(きみ)が好(す)きだからこそこれほど頑(がん)張(ば)っているんだよ。
    Kimi ga suki da kara koso kore hodo ganbatte iru n da yo.
    It's because I like you that I'm working this hard.
    1. used in set phrases when returning a greeting or apology to someone
      「ありがとうございます！」「こちらこそ！」
      “Arigatō gozaimasu!”“Kochira koso!”
      "Thank you very much!" "Thank you, too!" (lit. "It is me who should say thank you.")

Usage notes

Derived terms

Suffix

こそ • (-koso) 

  1. (archaic) used for calling or appealing

Old Japanese

Etymology

Possibly derived from 此 (ko2, “this”) +‎ そ (so2, empathic particle). (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?)

Particle

こそ (ko2so2)

  1. emphatic particle used for emphasis
  2. sentence-ending particle expressing humility
  3. sentence-ending particle expressing hope for others

Descendants

  • Japanese: こそ (koso)
Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia