Verb こそすれ JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-ますstem + こそすれ、(絶対に)～ない

Explanation

Verb-ますstem + こそすれ is typically used to emphasize that while someone might certainly do or be X, there's no way they would do or be Y. The sentence that follows is usually a strong negative, denying the possibility of Y.

Example sentences

• 彼は友達を助けこそすれ、自分を卑下することはありません。

  He might help his friends, but he never belittles himself.

  Kare wa tomodachi o tasuke koso sure, jibun o higesuru koto wa arimasen.

• 彼女は料理こそすれ、掃除はほとんどしない。

  She might cook, but she rarely cleans.

  Kanojo wa ryōri koso sure, sōji wa hotondo shinai.

• 私の兄は勉強こそすれ、遊ぶ時間がほとんどない。

  He might study a lot, but he barely has time to have fun.

  Watashi no ani wa benkyō koso sure, asobu jikan ga hotondo nai.

• 母は働きこそすれ、自分のために時間を使うことはほとんどない。

  My mother might work a lot, but she hardly spends any time on herself.

  Haha wa hataraki koso sure, jibun no tame ni jikan o tsukau koto wa hotondo nai.