Noun こそすれ JLPT N1

~koso sure

An emphatic pattern meaning 'it may be X, but definitely not Y.' Often pairs with a negative statement.

Formation

Noun + こそすれ + (negative or contrasting statement)

Explanation

「Noun/Verb-ます形 + こそすれ」emphasizes that while one aspect (X) might exist or be true, another aspect (Y) absolutely does not. It's frequently used with negative expressions (e.g., 〜ない、〜できない) to strongly deny the second possibility.

Example sentences

感謝こそすれ、非難などできません。

I might feel grateful, but I could never criticize.

Kansha koso sure, hinan nado dekimasen.
忙しさこそすれ、退屈することはありません。

I may be busy, but I'm never bored.

Isogashisa koso sure, taikutsu suru koto wa arimasen.
後悔こそすれ、忘れることはできない。

I might regret it, but I can't forget it.

Koukai koso sure, wasureru koto wa dekinai.
疑問こそすれ、賛成はできない。

I may have doubts, but I cannot agree.

Gimon koso sure, sansei wa dekinai.