Noun こそすれ (~koso sure)
Explanation
An emphatic pattern meaning 'it may be X, but definitely not Y.' Often pairs with a negative statement.
Formation
Noun + こそすれ + (negative or contrasting statement)
Detailed Explanation
「Noun/Verb-ます形 + こそすれ」emphasizes that while one aspect (X) might exist or be true, another aspect (Y) absolutely does not. It's frequently used with negative expressions (e.g., 〜ない、〜できない) to strongly deny the second possibility.
Examples
感謝こそすれ、非難などできません。
Kansha koso sure, hinan nado dekimasen.
I might feel grateful, but I could never criticize.
忙しさこそすれ、退屈することはありません。
Isogashisa koso sure, taikutsu suru koto wa arimasen.
I may be busy, but I'm never bored.
後悔こそすれ、忘れることはできない。
Koukai koso sure, wasureru koto wa dekinai.
I might regret it, but I can't forget it.
疑問こそすれ、賛成はできない。
Gimon koso sure, sansei wa dekinai.
I may have doubts, but I cannot agree.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.