Structure
Verb[ます]+ さえ + すれば
Verb[て]+ さえ + いれば
Noun + さえ + Verb[ば]
[い]Adjective[く]+ さえ + あれば
Noun + さえ + [い]Adjective[ば]
[な]Adjective + (で) + さえ + あれば
Details
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Standard
使用域
一般
About さえ〜ば
As a set expression, さえ~ば is a combination of the adverbial particle さえ, and the conjunction particle ば. It is used to highlight assumption, and presents (A) as a extreme limitation that is required to achieve (B), hypothetically. This structure may be translated as 'if only (A), then (B)', 'the only thing needed for (A) is (B)', or 'as long as (A), (B)'.
さえ may be grouped with any word, but will require the conjunctive form, or て form before it when grouped with verbs. It also regularly appears after other particles, forming a dual-particle meaning.
さえ may be grouped with any word, but will require the conjunctive form, or て form before it when grouped with verbs. It also regularly appears after other particles, forming a dual-particle meaning.
- この薬を毎日飲みさえすれば、すぐに治りますよ。As long as you drink this medicine every day, it will heal quickly.
- もっと若い頃からお金を貯めてさえいれば、今頃デカい家を買えてたかも。If only I had saved up money since I was young, by now, I would have been able to buy a big house.
- あの背が高い人さえ横にずれてくれれば、ちゃんと見えるのにな。If only that tall person moved to the side, (then) I would be able to see.
- タナカさんは若くさえあれば、あんな人でも雇う。Tanaka-san will hire anyone, so long as they are young.
- 家の前の道さえ広ければSUVが買えたのに。I would have been able to buy an SUV, if only the street in front of my house was bigger.
- 僕は静かでさえあればどこでも寝れます。As long as it is quiet, I can sleep anywhere.
- バンドメンバー募集中。ギターさえ弾けたら誰でもオッケーです。Looking for a new band member. Anyone is okay, so long as you can play the guitar.
- 日本で英語さえ話せたら、どこでも働けます。As long as you can speak English in Japan, you can work anywhere.
Synonyms
Examples
妹は暇さえあれば、運動する。
Only if my sister has free time, then she will exercise.
死体さえ発見できれば、警察が解決をする。
Provided the police can find the body (then) they will solve the case.
彼は自分さえ良ければ、いいと思っている。
He thinks that as long as it is good for him, it is good (for everyone).
天気さえ良ければテニスできるのに…
If only the weather was good, then I would play tennis.
君さえいれば、他には何もいらない。
I don't need anything else, as long as I have you.
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Further breakdown, example sentences and listening practice
Japanese Test 4 You
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Tobira
Page 119
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 312
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 152
Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar
Page 32 (#3)
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さえ〜ば – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
blossom
mrnoone
Hey, sorry for a long time it took to answer, I have noticed the post today
I have added it as an alternative answer. Basically, 暇 can be also treated not only as な adjective but also as a noun.
Cheers
Zenguro
It would be great to have some examples added so that each structure point has at least one example. Some examples for adjective structures are missing right now, and I don’t see them often enough in the wild to feel comfortable with them just yet.
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