precisely because, for that very reason

Advanced

30-35 min

rare

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Strong emphasis on reason. More literary than からこそ.

[Verb ば form] + こそ

信じればこそ、待っていたのだ。

Shinjireba koso, matte ita no da.

Precisely because I believed, I waited.

君を愛すればこそ、厳しく言うのだ。

Kimi wo aisureba koso, kibishiku iu no da.

Precisely because I love you, I speak strictly.

Very formal and literary.

～てこそ

only by, only when, only through

～まじき

should not, ought not to

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

Used in formal speeches and literature.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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