さえ
Even / As Little As
sae
TypeFocus
JLPT Leveln2
Summary
Indicates 'even' for extremes or minimum conditions. 〜さえ〜ば means 'if only〜'.
Usage Rules
- •Even: highlights an extreme example (さえ = even)
- •〜さえ〜ば: if only / as long as (minimum condition)
- •Negative: さえ〜ない = not even
- •Similar to でも but stronger and more restrictive
- •Can follow other particles: にさえ, でさえ
Example Sentences
こどもさえしっている。
Even children know that.
お金さえあればかえる。
You can buy it if only you have money.
名前さえ書けばいい。
You just need to write your name.
水さえのめない。
I can't even drink water.
先生にさえわからない。
Even the teacher doesn't understand.
Common Mistake
Confusing さえ (even, extreme) with だけ (only, limitation). さえ highlights extremity, not exclusivity.