さえ〜ば
Meanings
- If only... then
- As long as...; Provided that...
- Only thing ... needs for ... is ...
About this pattern
Explanation
さえ〜ば marks a strong, sufficiency-based condition: if that one thing is satisfied, the rest will follow. It emphasizes that fulfilling that small or simple condition is enough to achieve the outcome. It often conveys a sense of optimism or relief, and can sound a bit casual or colloquial. Use it when you want to downplay other factors and focus on the key condition that makes the result possible. Note that the thing before さえ is typically a noun or a verb in dictionary form (for verbs you attach さえ to the verb stem and add すれば).
Learn in context
Example sentences
As long as I have water, I can live.
If I have money, I can buy anything.
If I just study, I should be able to pass the exam.
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More N3 patterns
It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details