さえ
Even
Noun + さえ
さえ is a particle meaning “Even X”
It emphasizes some number/noun as “surprising” in terms of the verb.
Its essentially a stronger version of も
さえ may become さえも especially with negative meaning sentences.
It just adds extra emphasis to “even”.
Examples
- 先生さえわからない
Even the teacher doesn’t know. - 自分の名前さえも忘れた
Even forgot their own name. - 気づきさえもしなかった
Didn’t even realize - チャンスさえも与えなかった
Didn’t even give a chance. - 子供さえできることだ
Something even a child could do.
でさえ
(Not) Even with/by X
Method/Person+ でさえ + Verb (Usually negative)
でさえ is an expression, but its meaning isn’t really surprising:
It is just さえ coming after the で particle. Its not really different from さえ, except it is used mostly in negative sentences.
It marks a way/time/how/etc. that is surprising or extreme. Typically used for negative sentences.
Examples
- かれでさえできない
Not even he can do it. - 彼は夏でさえ靴下をはく (Weblio)
He wears socks even in summer. - 車でさえ動かせない物体
A thing that not even a car could move. - 専門家でさえもわからないことだ
Not even an expert knows.
さえ+ば
Minimum Condition
Noun + さえ + Verb ば form
Verb ます Stem + さえすれば
Verb て Form + さえいれば
さえ is also frequently used in conjunction with the ば conditional forms of verbs.
This pattern expresses: “If only we could do X”.
It is used to express a minimum requirement or condition for the rest of the sentence.
It has to be ば because the stress is on the action.
Examples
- 金さえあれば何とかできる
If only we had money, we could do something - 力さえあれば。。
If only we had power. - 彼さえこれば大丈夫だ
If only he would come then it would be ok. - 彼女さえいれば幸せになれる
If only I had a girlfriend I could be happy. - この薬を飲みさえすれば、楽になる
If you just take this medicine, you’ll feel better. - 忘れてさえいなければ
As long as you haven’t forgotten. - 宿題さえすれば合格できる
As long as you do your homework, you’ll pass. - 謝りさえすれば許される
You’ll be forgiven as long as you apologize. - 人さえいなければ大丈夫
As long as no people are there its ok.
On top of that
I wasn’t kidding when I told you it was essentially the same as も.
Although rare, it can also be used as も (also) in some sentences.
It has more of a “on top of that” or “It even then..” meaning though.
Commonly used with だけでなく
Examples
- 風が吹き出していただけでなく、雨さえ降りだした (Weblio)
Not only was it windy, it even started raining. - 車がガス欠になっただけじゃなく、タイヤさえもパンクした
Not only did my car run out of gas, the tire also punctured.