Japanese word

さえ

Pronunciation

Romajisae

Meaning

  • particleeven

Example

一円さえありません。ichi en sa e a ri ma se n

I do not even have one yen.

Illustration for さえ (even)

More examples

この店では、水さえ無料です。ko no mise de wa mizu sa e mu ryō de su

Even water is free at this shop.

Core concept

Shows that an extreme case is included in a statement, so the meaning often extends beyond that case to "even".

Common phrases

  • これさえあればko re sa e a re ba

    if only this were available

  • 名前さえ書けばna mae sa e ka ke ba

    as long as you write your name

  • 子どもさえ分かるko do mo sa e wa ka ru

    even a child understands

Similar words

もmo: Shows that an item is included in a statement and may be surprising or extreme.
までmade: Shows that an unexpected item or extent is included in a statement.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄を極端な例として挙げ、それも含めて成り立つことを示す助詞。a ru koto gara o kyoku tan na rei to shi te a ge so re mo fuku me te na ri ta tsu ko to o shime su jo shi

Word origin

The modern particle さえ (sae) developed from Old Japanese さへ (sahe), with へ (he) in the older spelling becoming え (e).

Usage tips

  • The phrase さえ (sae) can follow a small amount such as one yen in a negative statement, showing that not even that minimum amount is available.

Word lists with this word