Today’s Grammar Point: ～さえ･･･ば、—。
～さえ･･･ば、—。 is an expression that is used when just one thing is missing from fulfilling a condition. From that, it can mean “if only ～” or “as long as ～.”
Connections
- [noun] さえ…ば
- [verb stem] さえすれば
- [てform verb] さえいれば
- [くform いadj] さえあれば (affirmative) or [くform いadj] さえなければ (negative)
- [なadj/noun] でさえあれば (affirmative) or [なadj] でさえなければ (negative)
For the ばform, see -eば/れば
Examples
あなたさえよければ、私は大丈夫です。
As long as you are OK with it, I’m OK.弟は暇さえあればゲームをしている。
My brother plays a game whenever he has a spare moment.時間さえあれば、京都に行ける。(Today’s Question Sentence)
If only I had time, I can go to Kyoto.全力を尽くしさえすれば、合格するでしょう。
If only you do your best, you will pass the exam.あなたがいてくれさえすればそれでいい。
If only you were here.ミルクを加えさえすれば、おいしいスープになりますよ。
As long as you add milk, it will make a delicious soup.答えを知ってさえいれば、書くのだが。
If only I knew the answer, I would write it down.神を信じてさえいれば、幸せになれます。
As long as you believe in God, you can be happy.おいしくさえあれば、何でも食べる。
I will eat anything as long as it is delicious.寒くさえなければ、どこでもいいです。
As long as it’s not cold, it can be anywhere.元気でさえあれば、いつか会える。
As long as we are healthy, we will be able to meet up one day.メアリーさんが不幸でさえなければそれでいいんです。
As long as Mary is not unhappy, I’m OK with that.
Answer to today’s question: d (for meaning see above)
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- さえ
～さえ･･･ば、—。
～さえ/～でさえ
～さえ
