～さえ JLPT N3 Neutral

Formation

Noun + さえ, Verb-casual + さえ, い-Adjective + さえ, な-Adjective + でさえ

Explanation

The ～さえ grammar point is used to emphasize a specific item, person, or action, implying that it alone is sufficient, remarkable, or an exception. It can be translated as 'even', 'if only', or 'as long as' in English. The formation differs slightly depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.

Example sentences

• お金さえあれば、世界中を旅行できる。

  If only I have money, I can travel around the world.

  Okane sae areba, sekaijuu wo ryokou dekiru.

• 彼は英語さえ話せれば、その仕事ができるだろう。

  As long as he can speak English, he can do that job.

  Kare wa eigo sae hanasereba, sono shigoto ga dekiru darou.

• 彼女は頭がいいだけでなく、運動も上手だ。テニスさえできる。

  Not only is she smart, she is also good at sports. She can even play tennis.

  Kanojo wa atama ga ii dake denaku, undou mo jouzu da. Tenisu sae dekiru.

• 明るい場所で本を読むのが好きだ。部屋の電気さえつけなくても大丈夫だ。

  I like reading books in bright places. I'm fine even if I don't turn on the room light.

  Akarui basho de hon wo yomu no ga suki da. Heya no denki sae tsukenakute mo daijoubu da.

Emphasis (Even)

• ～まで JLPT N4
• ～てまで JLPT N2
• Noun ですら JLPT N1
• Noun にすら JLPT N1
• ～まで～て JLPT N2
• Noun たりとも～ない JLPT N1
• Noun にもまして JLPT N1