precisely; the very (emphasis)

こそ emphasizes that the word before it, and nothing else, is the one that matters. Attach it to a noun or, as てこそ, to a te-form to mean "only by doing X". It singles out one element for strong focus.

Examples

• 今度こんどこそ、合格ごうかくしたい。

  Kondo koso, goukaku shitai.

  This time for sure, I want to pass.

• 努力どりょくしてこそ、成功せいこうできる。

  Doryoku shite koso, seikou dekiru.

  Only by making an effort can you succeed.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 今度 this time, next time
• 合格 passing (an exam)
• する to do
• 努力 effort
• 成功 success
• できる to be able to do

Related patterns · Emphasis and listing

• 〜さえ even
• 〜やら〜やら what with... and...
• 〜にしろ〜にしろ whether... or...
• 〜ことか how...! (exclamation)