JLPT N3
～さえ～ば
If only; just; as long as
Structure
Noun + さえ + Verb ば-form / Noun + さえ + な-adjective/Noun + であれば / Verb て-form + さえ + いれば / Noun + でさえ + あれば
How it works
This grammar point emphasizes that a certain condition is the only thing needed for a specific result. It highlights the sufficiency of that single condition.
Examples
お金さえあれば、何でも買えるのに。
If only I had money, I could buy anything.
Common mistakes
Incorrectly conjugating the verb to the ば-form after さえ.
Tip
Think of it as 'only this and nothing else' is needed.
More JLPT N3 grammar
See ～さえ～ば in real Japanese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free