JLPT N1 grammar

〜こそあれmeaning and usage

Meaning

Although there is A (acknowledging A, then contrasting)

How to form it

  • nounこそあれ
  • な-adjective (stem)でこそあれ

How it is used

Written: 'there may be A, but…'. It grants A and sets B against it, B often negative (「感謝こそあれ、不満はない」). A common phrase is 「程度の差こそあれ」, 'to varying degrees'.

Examples

  1. 親には感謝の気持ちこそあれ、すべての意見に賛成とは言えない。

    I'm grateful to my parents, but I can't say I agree with all their opinions.

  2. 程度の差こそあれ、誰でも人前で話すのは緊張するものだ。

    To varying degrees, everyone gets nervous speaking in front of people.

  3. 彼の言い方は乱暴でこそあれ、言っていることは正しい。

    His way of speaking may be rough, but what he says is right.