こそ (koso)
Used for strong emphasis; points out something as the exact or true instance
Meaning & usage
こそ adds strong emphasis to single out exactly which person, thing, time, or reason is meant, often translated as precisely that or the very one. It attaches directly after nouns, pronouns, and time or demonstrative expressions such as 今, これ, and こっち, sometimes followed by が or は for extra focus. It appears in firm declarations like 今こそ but also in everyday polite phrases such as こちらこそ and 今度こそ.
Example sentences 3
-
今こそ、私が彼をもっとも必要とする時期だ。
Now is the time when I need him most.
-
彼こそが私が待ちつづけていた人だ。
He is the very man that I have waited for.
-
今度こそは彼女を逃がさないぞ。
I will not let her escape this time.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 6 past exam questions.
And 2 more tests.
