こう
こう
adverb
this way, like this
1.
this way, like this, in this manner
Refers to a manner or method close to the speaker or being demonstrated. Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system.
こう書きます。
You write it like this.
こう is the manner adverb in the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system, referring to a way or method close to or demonstrated by the speaker.
KO-SO-A-DO SYSTEM:
- こう: this way (near speaker / being demonstrated)
- そう: that way (near listener / just mentioned)
- ああ: that way (far from both / shared knowledge)
- どう: which way (question)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- こうする: to do it this way
- こうやって: like this (emphasizes the method)
- こう言う: this kind of, such (often written こういう)
- こう見えて: despite appearances
USAGE:
こう often appears when the speaker is physically showing or demonstrating something. It can also refer back to something just described, similar to English 'like this.' In written text, こう may point forward to something about to be explained.