こそすれ〜ない
And certainly not, But certainly not, But, Although, Even though
Structure
Verb［stem］+ こそすれ
Explanation
In Japanese, you may sometimes see the adverbial particle こそ paired with the realis form of a verb, which is a grammatical mood from Classical Japanese. This verb form is now archaic, and its conjugational role has been largely taken over by the hypothetical form.
This pattern is primarily seen with the verbs する ‘to do’, なる ‘to become’, and ある ‘to be’. They conjugate into the unique forms こそすれ, こそなれ, and こそあれ, respectively. These are used to add strong emphasis, often translated as ‘it may be (A), but it is definitely not (B)’, or ‘while it is (A), it is not (B)’. The (B) part of the sentence will be a negative statement, typically used to correct a mistaken assumption held by the listener.
こそすれ can be attached to the noun component of する-Verbs, or it can follow the conjunctive form (stem) of other verbs.
- この町の人口は増加こそすれ、減少することはまずない。This town's population will only continue to increase; it will certainly not go down.
- 口論を続ければ仲が悪くなりこそすれ、良くなることはないだろう。If we keep arguing, our relationship will only get worse; it certainly won't get any better.
The choice between なれ and あれ aligns with the standard grammatical rules for when to use なる (typically with a noun or adjective) and ある (typically with a noun).
- 新しい駅ができれば生活は便利にこそなれ、不便になることはない。If the new station is built, life will become more convenient; it certainly won't become inconvenient.
- あなたの行動は迷惑にこそなれ、誰の助けにもならないよ。Your actions are just a nuisance; they certainly don't help anyone.
- この会社に不満こそあれ、辞めようと思ったことはない。I may have complaints about this company, but I have certainly never thought of quitting.
- 彼には理論の知識こそあれ、実務の経験は全くない。He has theoretical knowledge, but he certainly has no practical experience.
Caution
In some situations, the verb may already have an auxiliary verb, such as the causative or passive, attached before こそする is added. Because of this, you must carefully identify which verb stem is being used in the sentence.
- こんなに頑張ったのだから、褒められこそすれ、怒られる理由はないはずだ。After working this hard, I should be praised; there is certainly no reason to be scolded.
Examples
プロジェクトは進みこそすれ、後退することはあるまい。
The project will only move forward, and certainly won't go backward.
彼に対しては尊敬こそすれ、軽蔑の念など微塵もありません。
I have respect for him, and certainly not a shred of contempt.
この問題には悩みこそすれ、諦めようとは思わない。
This problem is troubling, but I certainly have no intention of giving up.
練習を重ね、彼の技術は向上しこそすれ、低下することはなかった。
As he continued to practice, his skills only improved and certainly didn't decline.
試験の日が近づくにつれ、不安は増しこそすれ、消えることはなかった。
As the exam day approached, his anxiety only grew, and certainly wasn't going away.
私は彼女の努力を褒めこそすれ、けなすなんてことは絶対にしない。
I would only praise her efforts, and would certainly never do something like criticize them.