こそ (Koso) is a Japanese particle meaning “it is ... that ..., precisely, in particular, definitely”.

Meanings

  1. particleit is ... that ...; precisely; in particular; definitely; for sure; only (when, after, because, etc.)emphasizes preceding word or phrase
  2. particlealthough; while; it is the case that ... butas こそあれ, こそすれ, こそするが, etc.
  3. particleit is precisely because ... that ...; only because ...after conditional -ba form of verb
  4. particlenot at all; not in the slightest; absolutely not; neverafter -nai stem of verb + ば

Examples

  • He is a real gentleman.

  • He is a genius, if ever there is one.

  • It's patience that counts.

Sentences from Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR).