文法の説明

N3 レッスン 5: 21/22

さえ~ばIf only…then, As long as..., Provided..., Only thing ... needs for ... is ...

たら can be used instead of ば form, but it is rarely the case.

使い方・接続

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 + () + さえ + あれば

詳細

  • 使用域

    一般

「さえ〜ば」の情報

As a set expression, さえ~ば is a combination of the adverbial particle さえ, and the conjunction particle . 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 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'.

例文

--:--

    (いもうと)(ひま)さえあれば運動(うんどう)する。

    As long as my little sister has free time, she will exercise.

    (かれ)自分(じぶん)さえ()ければ、いいと(おも)っている。

    He thinks that as long as it is good for him, it is good (for everyone). (only if)

    天気(てんき)さえ()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(きかい)さえあれば()えるのに…

    If only there was a chance, then I would meet him...

    (きみ)さえいれば(ほか)には(なに)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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