～てこそ JLPT N2

Formation

Verb-て form + こそ / い-Adjective + くてこそ / な-Adjective + でこそ / Noun + でこそ

Explanation

The ～てこそ grammar point is used to emphasize that 'only when' or 'precisely because' the stated condition is met, a certain result or meaning arises. For nouns and adjectives, similar forms appear (e.g., Noun + でこそ, い-Adjective くてこそ, な-Adjective でこそ).

Example sentences

• 勉強してこそ、テストに合格できる。

  Only when you study can you pass the test.

  Benkyō shite koso, tesuto ni gōkaku dekiru.

• 素直になってこそ、相手の気持ちが分かります。

  Only when you’re honest can you understand the other person’s feelings.

  Sunao ni natte koso, aite no kimochi ga wakarimasu.

• 静かでこそ、心が落ち着く。

  Only in silence can one’s mind be at peace.

  Shizuka de koso, kokoro ga ochitsuku.

• 友達でこそ、お互いに助け合うのは当然だ。

  Precisely because we’re friends, it’s natural to help each other.

  Tomodachi de koso, otagai ni tasukeau no wa tōzen da.