お前こそ
omae koso
The English phrase "no, you" can be translated into Japanese as お前こそ (omae koso).
お前こそ is a playful or argumentative response used to return a compliment or an accusation back to the other person. It is used to deflect a statement, either a compliment or a jab, back onto the speaker, effectively saying "It is actually you who is [adjective/noun]."
What does it mean word for word?
The particle こそ (koso) is an emphatic particle that functions like "precisely" or "indeed". In this phrase, it is used to single out the listener as the one who specifically fits the description, translating literally to "you indeed" or "you specifically".
Which one should you use?
While お前こそ is rough or used between close male friends, あなたこそ (anata koso) is a more polite way to say "no, you" to return a compliment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of お前 (omae) makes お前こそ highly informal. Depending on the tone, it can sound rough, masculine or even confrontational.
How do you pronounce it?
omae koso
Did you know?
- The word お前 (omae) is derived from words meaning 'front' or 'in front of', reflecting an ancient custom of addressing someone by their physical position relative to the speaker.
- The particle こそ (koso) is used in the common greeting こちらこそ (kochira koso), which is the standard way to say 'no, the pleasure is mine' when someone thanks you.
- Depending on the inflection, お前こそ can be used as a 'tsukkomi' in Japanese comedy, where a straight-man character snaps back at a funny partner's absurdity.
Examples in context
- お前こそ、もっと頑張れよ。omae koso, motto ganbare yo.No, you should work harder.
- いや、お前こそ天才だよ。iya, omae koso tensai da yo.No, you're the genius.
- お前こそ、明日遅刻するなよ。omae koso, ashita chikoku suru na yo.No, you're the one who shouldn't be late tomorrow.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are teasing each other about being clumsy.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵は本当に不器用だな。Himari wa hontou ni bukiyou da na.Himari, you are really clumsy.
- 陽葵 Himariお前こそ！さっきコップ落としたでしょ。Omae koso! Sakki koppu otoshita desho.No, you! You dropped a glass just a moment ago.
- 蓮 Renそれはわざとだったんだよ。Sore wa wazato datta n da yo.I did that on purpose.
- 陽葵 Himariはいはい、そういうことにしておこう。Hai hai, sou iu koto ni shite okou.Yeah, yeah, let's just go with that.
