if only, as long as

Intermediate

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates that one condition is sufficient.

[Noun] + さえ + [Verb ば-form]

お金さえあれば、旅行に行ける。

Okane sae areba, ryokou ni ikeru.

If only I had money, I could travel.

練習さえすれば、上手になる。

Renshuu sae sureba, jouzu ni naru.

As long as you practice, you will get better.

さえ emphasizes the minimum requirement.

～さえ

even, not even, as long as

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Express what the essential requirement is.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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