as long as, if only

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates minimum sufficient condition.

[Noun] + さえ + [Verb ば form]

お金さえあれば、何でも買える。

Okane sae areba, nan demo kaeru.

As long as you have money, you can buy anything.

君さえ来れば、パーティーは成功する。

Kimi sae kureba, paatii wa seikou suru.

As long as you come, the party will be a success.

Only one condition is needed.

～さえ

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 ~

Essential conditional pattern.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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