さえ

Meaning & usage

Even; if ~ only; if ~ just; as long as; the only thing ~ need is | An emphatic particle which expresses the idea of "even" in non-conditional clauses (or sentences) or the idea of "only" in conditional clauses.

Example sentences 16

1. ここに置いておきさえすれば後はここの人が全部やってくれます。

   If you just leave it here, the people in this place will take care of the rest.

2. この仕事さえ片付いたら後は楽なんです。

   If we can only finish (literally: If we only finish) this work, the rest will be easy.

3. この研究所にはアメリカからさえ研究者が来る。

   Researchers even from America visit this lab.

4. その歌は子供でさえ知っている。

   Even children know this song.

5. まじめに勉強してさえいれば試験は大丈夫だ。

   As long as you study seriously, you'll do okay on the exam (literally: the exam will be all right).

6. クレジットカードさえあればいつでも入会出来ます。

   You can join our club any time if you only have a credit card.

7. 先生でさえこの問題を解くのに二時間もかかった。

   Even my teacher took (as much as) two hours to solve this problem.

8. 君さえ承知してくれたら今すぐこのプロジェクトを始めるつもりだ。

   As long as you agree (to our plan), we are planning to begin this project right away.

9. 山田にさえ出来たんだから君にも出来るよ。

   Even Yamada could do it, so you can do it, too.

10. 彼はもうおかゆさえ喉を通らなかった。

    He was no longer able to eat even porridge.

11. 彼は私の言うことを聞こうとさえしない。

    He doesn't even try to listen to me.

12. 彼女は現代日本語は勿論古典さえ読める。

    She can read even classical Japanese, not to mention modern Japanese.

13. 手を上げさえすればすぐ警官が飛んでくる。

    If you just raise your hand, a policeman will rush to you.

14. 私はその写真を大人には勿論子供にさえ見せた。

    I showed the picture even to kids, not to mention adults.

15. 通勤に便利でさえあればどんなところでもいいんです。

    Any location will be fine as long as it is convenient for commuting.

16. 高くさえなければ売れるはずだ。

    It should sell as long as it's not expensive.