～さえ～ば JLPT N2 Neutral
〜sae ~ba
Expresses that, as long as a certain condition is met, something else will follow; 'if only', 'provided that'.
"If only X, then Y would follow" - a conditional wish, not necessarily regretful.
Formation
Noun + さえ + Verb-conditional / Verb-ますstem + さえすれば / etc. (varies by part of speech)
Explanation
The ～さえ～ば grammar point is used to indicate that if a certain single condition is fulfilled, everything else will be fine or a certain result will occur. It often translates as 'as long as...' or 'if only...'.
Example sentences
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As long as I have money, I’m happy.
Okane sae areba, shiawase desu.
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If only I pass the exam, I can graduate.
Shiken ni goukaku shi sae sureba, sotsugyou dekimasu.
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As long as I eat plenty of vegetables, my mother will be happy.
Yasai sae takusan tabereba, haha wa yorokobimasu.
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As long as my transportation costs are covered, I’ll go anywhere.
Koutsuuhi sae shiharatte moraereba, doko e demo ikimasu.