からこそprecisely because
こそ singles out one thing as the one that matters. からこそ puts it on a reason: this is exactly why, though it may not be the reason you'd expect.
It's because I care about you that I'm so hard on you.
It's because we're friends that I want you to tell me what you really think, without holding back.
How to form it
Plain form + からこそ
A noun or a な-adjective needs だ: 友達だからこそ, 好きだからこそ.
- Before it
- The reason you want noticed. Often one you'd expect to lead the other way: you care, so you're strict.
- After it
- Usually what you do, feel or think because of it, or something good that came of it. Often closed with んです or のだ.
- Tone
- Earnest: explaining yourself, encouraging someone, thanking them.
- Where you'll meet it
- Conversation and writing alike. Common in advice, thanks and speeches.
What こそ adds
I'm saying this because I'm worried about you.
Gives the reason.
It's because I'm worried about you that I'm saying this.
Answers a doubt: you thought I was only being unkind.
It's because it isn't easy that it's worth trying.
It's because you gave me such tough feedback that I was able to see my own weak points.
It's because we live apart that I treasure the time I spend talking with my family.
Two things to know
Not for when things just went wrong
A plain account of what went wrong takes から.
The train was late, so I didn't make it to the meeting in time.
Not said: 電車が
(It was precisely because the train was late that I didn't make it to the meeting in time.)
Nothing is being singled out. It is just what happened.
A bad feeling can follow, when the reason is one you stand by: your hopes, your trust.
It's because I was expecting so much that I was disappointed.
だからこそ can start a sentence
At the start of a sentence, だからこそ is "that is exactly why". The reason is the sentence before.
The plan failed once. That is exactly why the problems became clear.
Close neighbours
せいでN3
"Because of", with blame: the reason for a bad result.
Because of the rain, the game was called off.
Check yourself
1What does this mean?
家族だから
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which one fits?
寝坊した
Choose an answer to see why.
3Which one fits?
大事な
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
It's because I failed that I could see what I was lacking.
It's because I love this town that I want to talk frankly about its problems too.
It's because I trust you that I'm giving you this job.
It's precisely because time is limited that we need to set priorities.
It's precisely because times are hard that we need to stay calm.