こそすれ

and, although, but

AI-generated

Structure

[noun] + こそすれ、〜ない [verb ます-stem] + こそすれ、〜ない

Note: The second clause is always negative, denying the opposite or a worse outcome.

Description

こそすれ is a formal, emphatic expression meaning "may indeed… but certainly not the opposite" or "if anything… but never…". It is used to strongly affirm one thing while emphatically denying its opposite. The pattern emphasizes that the reality is A (or at least A), and absolutely not the contrary.

The structure is built from the emphatic particle こそ combined with the classical concessive form すれ (the 已然形/realis form of する), creating a meaning of "even though/if one does indeed…". The second clause is always negative, typically denying the opposite or a worse situation.

Basic Pattern

Noun/Verb + こそすれ、〜ない

The first clause states what is actually the case (emphasized with こそ), and the second clause denies the opposite possibility.

、。

If anything I'm grateful – I certainly don't hold a grudge.

、。

The situation only worsened; it certainly did not improve.

Key Characteristics

The second clause is always negative – it denies the opposite of what was stated in the first clause.
This pattern is highly literary and formal, appearing in written language, speeches, and formal discourse. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
Common nouns that appear before こそすれ include かんしゃ感謝、ぞうか増加、あっか悪化、しょうさん賞賛、そんけい尊敬 and similar abstract nouns, as well as verb stems.

、べき。

His actions deserve praise if anything – they certainly should not be criticized.

This pattern is similar in spirit to ～ことはあっても～ない ("there may be… but never…"), but こそすれ is more emphatic and literary. It shares the rhetorical force of こそ seen in other emphatic structures like ～からこそ and ～ばこそ.

Examples

、。

If anything I feel gratitude – I certainly hold no resentment.

、。

Her efforts deserve respect if anything – they are certainly not something to ridicule.

、。

This policy only made the problem worse; it certainly did not lead to a solution.

、だろう。

The population will only decrease – it is unlikely to increase.

、。

His remarks will only invite misunderstanding – they certainly won't resolve the issue.

、。

This experience will only help me grow – it certainly won't be a waste.

、。

I've only caused my parents trouble – I haven't been able to repay them at all.

、だろう。

The situation will only become more complicated – it is unlikely to become simpler.

、よう。

That movie was boring if anything – it was certainly not something moving.

、。

His attitude only provoked hostility – it failed to win anyone's sympathy.

、。

The new system only increased the burden – it certainly did not make citizens' lives easier.

こそ「～が / けれど」

こそすれ～ない

Structure

Description

Basic Pattern

Key Characteristics

Related Patterns

Examples