Noun こそあれ

When to use

こそあれ: there may be X, but not Y (差こそあれ).

Explanation

「Noun こそあれ」is a somewhat formal expression meaning 'Though there is X, (still) Y'. It acknowledges one (often negative) aspect while asserting that it does not prevent or change another fact or outcome.

• 問題もんだいこそあれ、プロジェクトは順調じゅんちょうに進すすんでいます。

  Though there are problems, the project is progressing smoothly.

  Mondai koso are, purojekuto wa junchou ni susunde imasu.

• 多少たしょうのリスクこそあれ、挑戦ちょうせんする価値かちはある。

  Though there is some risk, it's worth taking on the challenge.

  Tashou no risuku koso are, chousen suru kachi wa aru.

• 欠点けってんこそあれ、彼かの提案ていあんは興味深きょうみぶかい。

  Though it has flaws, his proposal is intriguing.

  Ketten koso are, kare no teian wa kyoumibukai.

• 不安ふあんこそあれ、今いまが行動こうどうするときだ。

  Though there is anxiety, now is the time to act.

  Fuan koso are, ima ga koudou suru toki da.

Emphasis With こそ (Precisely / Only By)

• ～こそ〜kosoN3Emphasizes the importance or uniqueness of something or…
• ～てこそ〜te kosoN2Emphasizes the condition; 'only when', 'precisely because'.
• ～からこそ〜kara kosoN2Express the emphasis on the reason; 'precisely because'…
• Noun こそ～が~koso~gaN1Emphasizes that 'it is precisely Noun that ...', then adds…
• Noun こそすれ~koso sureN1An emphatic pattern meaning 'it may be X, but definitely…
• Verb こそすれ~koso sureN1Often used in the pattern 'Xこそすれ、Y〜ない', meaning 'One might…

Compare when to use each