こうして
こうして
adverb
like this; in this way; thus
1.
like this; in this way; in this manner
Refers to the way something is being done right now, or demonstrates a method. Points to the current situation or a way of doing things that is visible or just described.
こうして持ってください。
Please hold it like this.
こうして二人で話すのは久しぶりだね。
It's been a while since we talked together like this.
こうして毎日練習すれば、きっと上手になる。
If you practice every day like this, you'll surely improve.
2.
thus; and so; in this way (narrative)
Used to connect events in a narrative, meaning 'and so' or 'in this way.' Introduces a result or conclusion of preceding events.
こうして二人は出会った。
And so the two met.
こうして長い一日が終わった。
Thus the long day came to an end.
何度も話し合い、こうして問題は解決した。
After many discussions, the problem was resolved in this way.
Part of the こそあど (ko-so-a-do) demonstrative system: こうして (this way, near speaker), そうして (that way, near listener), ああして (that way, far from both). Sense 2 is extremely common in storytelling and narration to move a plot forward.
USAGE PATTERNS:
- Demonstrative: physically showing or referring to a current situation
- Narrative connector: linking cause to result at the end of a story segment
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- そうして: and then; in that way — points to something previously mentioned
- ああして: like that — points to something distant or third-party
- このように: in this way — more formal equivalent