Meaning & usage
ばこそ stresses that something is done exactly because of the stated reason, often to show strong resolve or an action that seems surprising given that reason. It follows the conditional ば form, as in 思えばこそ, 安ければこそ, and であればこそ for nouns and な adjectives, and the main clause often ends with のだ or んだ for emphasis. It has a formal, written tone and is not used for ordinary expected results.
Example sentences 5
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君のためを思えばこそこう言ってるんだ。
It is precisely because I have your best interests at heart that I am saying this.
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子どもの将来を思えばこそ、厳しく言ったのだ。
It's exactly because I care about my child's future that I spoke harshly.
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好きであればこそ、はっきり言うのだ。
It's precisely because I like you that I'm speaking clearly.
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友達であればこそ、厳しく注意したんだ。
It's precisely because we're friends that I warned you firmly.
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大切であればこそ、毎日練習するんだ。
It's exactly because it matters that I practice every day.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 3 past exam questions.
