Structure
Verb［stem］+ 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
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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 (B) is (A)', 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.
This use of さえ is an example of limit, with (A) being a hypothetical limit presented by the ば particle. It is also possible to see さえ with other hypothetical indicators (such as たら), but is quite rare in modern Japanese, as さえ～ば is considered a set pattern.
This limitation is also sometimes referred to as a 'stipulation', or 'condition'.
Related
Examples
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妹は暇さえあれば、運動する。
As long as my little sister has free time, she will exercise.
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). (only if)
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 be able to play tennis, but...
機会さえあれば、会えるのに…
If only there was a chance, then I would meet him...
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. (if only you exist)
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Japanese Test 4 You
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[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 152
Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar
Page 32 (#3)
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 312
Tobira
Page 119
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さえ〜ば – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (4 in total)
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.
steffuld
Is てさえいれば a counterpart to ている? It’s not quite clear from the write-up. What is the logic behind すれば, いれば, あれば in general?
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