Noun こそあれ

At a glance

Noun こそあれ means "although there is [noun], still...". It admits that something (usually a drawback, difference or limitation) exists, then says it does not change the main point. It is formal and mostly written.

Noun + こそあれ、[contrasting main clause]

多少たしょうの欠点けってんこそあれ、彼かれは信頼しんらいできる人ひとだ。 Although he has some faults, he is a trustworthy person.

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How to form it

Put こそあれ directly after the noun. Do not add が or は.

• こそ: an emphasis particle that highlights the noun.
• あれ: the classical realis form (已然形いぜんけい) of あり ("to exist"). It is required after こそ by kakari-musubi and gives the concessive meaning "there is X, but...". It is not the imperative.