# こそすれ: and; although; but ~ > Learn how to use こそすれ, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning 'and; although; but ~', with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-koso-sure/ **こそすれ** means **and; although; but ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to admit that one thing happens or exists *instead of* what might be expected — strongly denying the opposite. This grammar point often appears in formal writing, speeches, essays, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you need to say “far from ~, it is actually ~” or “one might expect X, but Y absolutely does not happen,” **こそすれ** gives your Japanese precision and rhetorical weight. ## What does こそすれ mean? Use **こそすれ** when you want to admit that one thing occurs while forcefully denying the opposite or expected outcome. The pattern sets up a contrast: the first part is acknowledged, but the second part — often a negative consequence — is emphatically rejected. Natural translations include: - instead of; rather than; it is ~ but not ~; far from ~ In every context, the speaker or writer is insisting that the opposite simply doesn’t happen. Think of it as saying: “I may X, but I certainly will not Y.” ## How to form こそすれ Attach **こそすれ** to a verb stem (the ます-form without ます) or directly to a noun.
Verb stem (ます‑form stem) + こそすれ
Noun + こそすれ
Examples of the pattern: - 驚き(おどろき)こそすれ (from 驚く(おどろく)) - 感謝(かんしゃ)こそすれ (noun) - 批判(ひはん)こそすれ (noun) This is a formal, written pattern. You won’t hear it in casual conversation, but you will see it in newspaper editorials, formal speeches, and literary criticism. ## When is こそすれ used? Use **こそすれ** in situations like: - denying the opposite of an acknowledged fact - contrasting a possible outcome with a stronger, opposite denial - adding rhetorical weight in persuasive or explanatory writing Tone and register: - formal, emphatic, often persuasive - common in N1 reading passages, opinion essays, and structured arguments ## こそすれ example sentences
驚おどろきこそすれ、怒いかりはしません。
I may be surprised, but I will not get angry.
感謝かんしゃこそすれ、恨うらむ気持きもちはありません。
I feel nothing but gratitude; I have no resentment at all.
批判ひはんこそすれ、黙だまっていることはできない。
I may criticize, but I cannot stay silent.
努力どりょくこそすれ、諦あきらめることは考かんがえていません。
I will keep working hard; giving up is not an option.
注意ちゅういこそすれ、罰ばつするつもりはありません。
I may give a warning, but I have no intention of punishing you.
不便ふべんこそすれ、危険きけんはありません。
It may be inconvenient, but it’s not dangerous.
In every sentence, the first part is admitted, and the second part — which would be the natural opposite — is decisively rejected. ## Nuance of こそすれ The core nuance is **strong denial of the opposite**. When you use **こそすれ**, you are not just making a contrast; you are insisting that the second, negative outcome does not happen. It often carries an emotional charge, as if the speaker is saying, “How could you even think that? Nothing could be further from the truth.”
This pattern appears almost exclusively in formal or written Japanese. Using it in casual speech would sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Reserve it for essays, formal letters, and N1-level reading comprehension.
## こそすれ vs こそあれ Both **こそすれ** and **こそあれ** set up a contrasting admission, but they differ in the “action vs. existence” feel and in typical use.
こそすれ
action-oriented contrast
the first part is an action or active state, and the denial targets an opposite action
typical in formal writing where a speaker strongly denies a negative response
驚き(おどろき)こそすれ、怒ら(おこら)ない。
I am surprised, but I will not get angry.
こそあれ
existence-oriented contrast
the first part is a state or condition, and the second is a denied opposite state
also formal, but more likely to describe static situations or inherent traits
不便(ふべん)こそあれ、危険(きけん)はない。
It may be inconvenient, but it’s not dangerous.
While the boundaries are not always sharp, **こそすれ** typically attaches to a verb stem and feels more active; **こそあれ** attaches to a noun or adjective stem and feels more like “there may be ~.” When in doubt, notice the main word before the pattern: a verb stem strongly favors **こそすれ**. ## Common mistakes with こそすれ Watch out for these pitfalls:
❌
Using it without a contrasting denial.
こそすれ always requires a second part that says what does NOT happen.
❌
驚き(おどろき)こそすれ (just this, no follow-up)
✅
驚き(おどろき)こそすれ、怒り(いかり)はしない。
❌
Confusing こそすれ with からこそ (precisely because).
からこそ emphasizes a reason; こそすれ sets up a contrast and denial.
❌
Attaching it to the wrong form (e.g., dictionary form).
✅
驚く(おどろく)こそすれ → 驚き(おどろき)こそすれ
## Is こそすれ on the JLPT?
N1
こそすれ is a **JLPT N1** grammar point. It’s tested mainly in reading comprehension and sometimes in the grammar section where you must pick the correct contrast pattern.
For test preparation, read passages that contain こそすれ and ask yourself what is being admitted and what is being denied. Then try rewriting the sentence using a simpler contrast — does the force weaken? That tells you what the exam expects. ## Practice questions for こそすれ Try making your own sentences with these prompts. Then check whether they keep the strong-denial nuance.
1
Admit that you might worry, but insist that you won’t panic.
personal stance
2
Acknowledge that a plan is difficult, but deny that it is impossible.
contrast + denial
3
Write a sentence about a policy that people may complain about, but assert that it is not unfair.
formal argument
4
Express that you respect a colleague’s opinion while firmly rejecting their conclusion.
nuanced denial
Keep your first sentences short. Once the structure feels natural, add more context until the denial packs the intended rhetorical force. ## Learning path for こそすれ Build your comfort with **こそすれ** step by step. Because the pattern is formal, exposure to real examples is essential.
1
Nail the attachment: verb stem or noun + こそすれ. Write three sentences using each attachment type to lock in the form.
2
Read at least five newspaper opinion pieces or editorials. Highlight every instance of こそすれ (and こそあれ) and note what is admitted vs. denied.
3
Compare with こそあれ. Take the same sentence base (e.g., 不便(ふべん)) and try both patterns: when does one feel more natural? Discuss the difference with a teacher or language partner.
4
Write a short formal paragraph arguing a point. Use こそすれ at least twice to emphasize that certain negative outcomes will not happen.
5
Finally, test yourself by reading an N1 practice passage and explaining why the author chose こそすれ instead of ものの or のに.
## Related grammar to review next - [こそあれ](/blog/n1-koso-are/) — its closest neighbor, contrasting existence vs. action - [こそがけれど](/blog/n1-koso-ga-keredo/) — a pattern with similar emphatic “it is ~ but” energy, but used differently - [ことごとく](/blog/n1-koto-gotoku/) — the adverbial “everything; completely,” which appears in the same high-level formal contexts - [ことこの上(うえ)ない](/blog/n1-koto-kono-ue-nai-kono-ue-nai-kono-ue-naku/) — another N1-level intensifier that pairs naturally with strong rhetorical stances ## Learn こそすれ with Hane When you’re ready to lock in patterns like **こそすれ**, Hane helps you review them alongside related grammar in short, focused sessions. It draws from the same curated N1 list so you can practice reading, formation, and nuance seamlessly. Browse more: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)