こそ～が
It is precisely … that (emphasis with contrast or evaluation) → strongly emphasizes one specific element, often implying contrast, justification, or evaluation
Meaning
Formation
Explanation
こそ～が is used to strongly emphasize a particular subject, highlighting it as especially important, decisive, or relevant in the situation.
🔸 こそ + が = strong focus
The structure often implies:
contrast with expectations
correction of a misunderstanding
justification (“because it is X, …”)
evaluation (“X is exactly what matters”)
Key nuance:
こそ gives strong focus and emphasis
が marks the emphasized element as the grammatical subject
The sentence often carries an implicit contrast or reasoning tone
This pattern is common in:
persuasive or explanatory writing
evaluations and arguments
formal or semi-formal contexts
JLPT N1 reading passages