JLPT N1 Grammar

〜こそあれ (koso are)

〜こそあれ (koso are)
"Even though there is...; although... exists..."

This expression is used to acknowledge that while a certain condition or fact exists, it does not change the primary situation or conclusion being discussed. It is often used to contrast a minor positive or negative point with a more significant reality.

Formal and literary. It is predominantly used in written reports, formal speeches, editorials, and high-level business negotiations. It is rarely heard in casual daily conversation.

Used when you want to concede a point ("Yes, this exists...") before moving on to the main argument. It often appears in the pattern "Aこそあれ、B", where B is the more important fact.

Nuance: It carries a tone of objective acknowledgment. It emphasizes that despite "A" being true, it is not enough to override "B". It sounds highly sophisticated and intellectual.

Format

  • Noun + こそあれ
    苦労こそあれ、この仕事にはやりがいがある。 There are hardships, but this job is worth doing.
  • Na-adjective + でこそあれ
    その態度は親切でこそあれ、決して失礼ではない。 That attitude is nothing but kind; it is by no means rude.
  • Verb (Stem / Pre-masu) + こそすれ
    感謝こそすれ、恨むようなことはない。 I feel nothing but gratitude; there is no reason for me to resent you.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Although there are slight differences in the strategies of both countries, their objectives are common.
  • 、。
    Although there were hardships in implementing the new system, I have no regrets at all.
  • 、、。
    The economy is on a recovery trend; while there might be a decrease in profit, there is no risk of bankruptcy.
  • 、。
    Although his remarks were abrupt, no malice could be felt.
  • 、。
    Although there is some variation in quality, it is within the tolerance range.
  • 、。
    While it is a flaw in the design, it is not a fatal mistake.
  • 、。
    Although there is bewilderment at the changes of the times, we should look forward.
  • 、。
    Although I feel gratitude, there isn't a shred of resentment in me.

Similar Grammar

〜こそすれ (koso sure)

“Although (the verb/action) occurs...”
白髪は増えこそすれ、減ることはない。 Gray hairs only increase; they never decrease.

Difference:

  • Used with the stem of suru verbs or the ren'youkei (continuative form) of verbs.
  • While koso are focuses on the existence of a noun or state, koso sure focuses on an action taking place.

〜こそ (koso)

“Especially; precisely”
今年こそ、JLPTのN1に合格したい。 This year of all years, I want to pass the JLPT N1.

Difference:

  • A focus particle used for strong emphasis on a preceding noun.
  • Koso are is a specific grammatical structure meaning "although X exists," whereas koso by itself just highlights a word.

〜はあれ (wa are)

“Although there is...”
多少の違いはあれ、二人の考えは似ている。 Though there are some slight differences, their ideas are similar.

Difference:

  • Very similar to koso are, but koso adds a stronger sense of "conceding" the point before a contrast.
  • Wa are is slightly more neutral and poetic/archaic.

〜たところで (ta tokoro de)

“Even if...”
今さら後悔したところで、時間は戻らない。 Even if you regret it now, you can't turn back time.

Difference:

  • This implies that even if a certain condition is met, the result won't change.
  • Koso are acknowledges a fact that currently exists.

〜ながらも (nagara mo)

“While; although”
狭いながらも、自分の家が一番落ち着く。 Although it is small, my own home is the most relaxing.

Difference:

  • More common in spoken and general written Japanese.
  • Koso are is strictly formal and usually follows a Noun + contrast pattern.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のには、な（　　　）、的ないはしない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のにより、は（　　　）、することはない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のには（　　　）、は感じられなかった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. はな（　　　）にあるが、としてだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、のをのはのだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. でも（　　　）なだった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. の（　　　）、なので。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. の（　　　）、をのはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. のはの（　　　）、的になはない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. せぬに（　　　）、にした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. の（　　　）、にでもはものだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、ようなはない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. 的たなは、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. にはの（　　　）、にはのがだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、はそうものではない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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