adverb
Used for something close to the speaker, including the speaker's own actions or opinions. Contrasts with そう (that way) and ああ (that way over there).
こうやって切ってください。
Please cut it like this.
私はこう思います。
I think so.
adverb
Indicates degree or extent, often with adjectives or verbs. Implies a degree close to the speaker's perception.
こう暑いと、何もする気が起きない。
When it's this hot, I don't feel like doing anything.
こうたくさんあれば十分でしょう。
If there's this much, it should be enough.
interjection
Interjection used as a verbal pause or filler, similar to 'uh' or 'well' in English. Common in hesitant or thinking speech.
こう、なんていうか、ちょっと難しい問題で。
Well, how should I put it, it's a bit of a difficult problem.
こう、ええと、明日はちょっと…
Uh, um, tomorrow is a bit...
Refers to something close to the listener or less immediate to the speaker, while こう refers to something close to the speaker.
Refers to something distant from both speaker and listener, while こう is speaker-proximal.
Interrogative counterpart ('how'), while こう is the proximal demonstrative ('in this way').
Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system; こう is the adverbial form of the proximal demonstrative こ, indicating manner or degree close to the speaker.