Even / If Only (さえ)
さえ to highlight extreme examples or set the one single condition needed for a result.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The particle さえ highlights an extreme or minimal condition, meaning 'even' or 'if only'.
- Use さえ to emphasize an extreme example: {子供|こども}でさえ{知|し}っている (Even a child knows).
- Use さえ with conditional forms to mean 'if only': {君|きみ}さえいればいい (If only you are here, that's enough).
- It replaces particles like は or が, but attaches to を or に: {彼|かれ}にさえ{言|い}わなかった (I didn't even tell him).
Overview
Japanese particle さえ (sae) functions as an empathic particle, fundamentally drawing attention to an extreme or minimal element within a statement. At its core, さえ signifies either an unexpected inclusion—meaning "even this, surprisingly"—or a sole necessary condition, translating to "if only" or "as long as." Understanding さえ is crucial for B1-level learners, as it allows for the expression of nuanced sentiment, ranging from surprise and exasperation to hope and determination, moving beyond basic declarative sentences.
Linguistically, さえ operates by isolating a specific item or condition and implying a broader scale. When used for "even," it suggests that if this particular item, often considered an extreme or a minimum, is true, then other, more obvious or complex things are also true (or untrue). For its conditional usage, さえ highlights that a single, specific condition is the only prerequisite for a desired outcome, thereby narrowing focus to this critical factor.
Mastering さえ allows you to articulate thoughts with greater precision and emotional depth, reflecting natural Japanese expression.
How This Grammar Works
さえ has two primary applications, each conveying a distinct nuance centered around emphasis and limitation. Both uses pivot on the idea of singling out an item or condition for special attention, often implying a logical consequence or a strong desire.さえ emphasizes an extreme or a minimum case within a given context. It points to something that might be considered basic, easy, or surprising, suggesting that if this particular thing is true or false, then more complex or expected things logically follow the same pattern. It conveys surprise, disbelief, or the notion of a low bar being unmet.子供でさえ知っている (Even a child knows), you imply that the knowledge is exceptionally basic, and therefore, anyone, especially an adult, should know it. さえ replaces the particles が and を when used with nouns, but attaches after other particles like に, と, で, から, へ, forming combinations like にさえ or でさえ.漢字さえ読めない。(I can't even read kanji.) – This implies that reading kanji is a basic skill, and failing even at this basic level is noteworthy or frustrating.彼は私にさえ教えてくれなかった。(He didn't even tell me.) – Here,にさえemphasizes the speaker's expectation of being told, making the omission surprising or hurtful.忙しくて、ご飯を食べる時間さえなかった。(I was so busy, I didn't even have time to eat.) – This highlights the extreme level of busyness by pointing to the fundamental act of eating.
さえ〜ば) (最低限の条件 / Saiteigen no Jouken)さえ is combined with the ば conditional form of a verb or adjective, it specifies a minimum or sole condition required for a desired outcome. This construction strongly suggests that just this one thing is sufficient to achieve a goal or bring about a state. It often conveys hope, a strong wish, or a determined focus on a single enabling factor.お金さえあれば、何でもできる。(If only I had money, I could do anything.) – This statement presents money as the single, critical factor for achieving various things.君さえいれば、他には何もいらない。(As long as I have you, I need nothing else.) – This emphasizes the person's presence as the sole, indispensable condition for happiness.天気さえ良ければ、行けるのに。(If only the weather were good, we could go.) – The good weather is highlighted as the only obstacle to going, implying that all other conditions are met.
Formation Pattern
さえ requires attention to the type of word it modifies and whether it's used to mean "even" or "if only."
さえ means "even," it primarily attaches to nouns, occasionally to the stem of certain verbs or adjectives for emphasis, but the most common patterns involve nouns.
さえ | 鉛筆さえ買えない。 (Can't even buy a pencil.) | 鉛筆さえ買えません。 |
さえ | 先生にさえ言った。 (Even told the teacher.) | 先生にさえ言いました。 |
さえ | 歩さえしない。 (Doesn't even walk.) | 歩さえしません。 |
さえ | 忙しくさえ感じる。 (Even feels busy.) | 忙しくさえ感じます。 |
でさえ | 簡単でさえなかった。 (It wasn't even simple.) | 簡単でさえありませんでした。 |
さえ replaces the subject particle が and the direct object particle を. You will not typically see がさえ or をさえ in modern, natural Japanese. For example, instead of 私がさえ知らない, you would say 私さえ知らない (Even I don't know). This replacement underscores the emphatic nature of さえ.
に, へ, と, で, から, より), さえ follows the particle. For instance, 友達とさえ会えない (Can't even meet with friends).
Verb Stem + さえ exists (e.g., 読みさえしない - doesn't even read), it's less common than Verb Stem + さえすれば for the conditional meaning.
さえ with the ば conditional form to establish a singular, essential condition. The structure varies slightly depending on whether the condition is expressed by a noun, verb, or adjective.
さえ + Verb (ば form) | 時間さえあれば、行ける。 (If only I had time, I could go.) | 時間さえあれば、行けます。 |
でさえ + Verb (ば form) | 彼でさえいれば、安心だ。 (As long as he's here, I'm relieved.) | 彼でさえいれば、安心です。 |
さえすれば | 勉強さえすれば、合格する。 (If you just study, you'll pass.) | 勉強さえすれば、合格します。 |
さえいれば (animate) | 君さえいれば、幸せだ。 (As long as you are here, I'm happy.) | 君さえいれば、幸せです。 |
さえあれば (inanimate) | 水さえあれば、生きられる。 (As long as there's water, I can live.) | 水さえあれば、生きられます。 |
さえすれば (or さえあれば) | 安ければさえすれば、買う。 (If only it's cheap, I'll buy it.) | 安ければさえすれば、買います。 |
さえあれば | 美味しくさえあれば、満足だ。 (As long as it's tasty, I'm satisfied.) | 美味しくさえあれば、満足です。 |
でさえあれば | 元気でさえあれば、大丈夫。 (As long as you're healthy, it's fine.) | 元気でさえあれば、大丈夫です。 |
さえ itself often carries a HLL pitch, especially when standing alone, but its precise accent can be influenced by the preceding word. Generally, a high pitch on さ and low on え (さ^え) is common, creating a slight emphasis. This subtle acoustic cue reinforces its emphatic function. For example, 雨さえ (even rain) might be あめ^さえ.
When To Use It
さえ effectively demonstrates an advanced understanding of emphasis and logical relationships in Japanese. You should use さえ when you need to highlight a particular element as either an extreme example or a singular critical condition.- To express surprise or disbelief at an extreme scenario: When something unexpectedly basic or extreme occurs (or fails to occur),
さえunderscores the unusualness. For instance,赤ちゃんにさえ負けた。(I lost even to a baby.) This highlights the surprising ease with which the speaker was defeated. - To denote the minimum requirement or baseline:
さえcan establish a low threshold for a statement to hold true. If even this minimal condition is met, or if this minimal condition is not met, it speaks volumes. For example,名前さえ書ければ、応募できます。(If you can just write your name, you can apply.) This implies writing one's name is the absolute minimum qualification. - To convey strong emotional states: Because
さえdraws attention to extremities, it naturally expresses frustration, exasperation, strong desire, or hope.一言|こと}さえ言えないなんて、彼らしくない。(Not even being able to say a single word, that's not like him.) This expresses surprise and mild frustration at his uncharacteristic silence. - In rhetorical questions or strong assertions:
さえcan be used to emphasize the obviousness of a situation, implying that if even this is true, why would something else be in question? Consider a manager saying,新入社員でさえ知っている常識だ。(Even new employees know that common sense.) This asserts that the point is universally understood within the company. - When listing, to emphasize the most unexpected or least likely item: While
までimplies a progression to an extreme,さえcan be used to single out an item as uniquely surprising without necessarily implying a list. If you hear部長さえ残業している。(Even the department head is working overtime.), it might convey that overtime is so prevalent that even someone of his status, who might usually leave early, is affected.
When Not To Use It
さえ can lead to unnatural or overly dramatic Japanese. It is important to distinguish its specific emphatic function from other particles that express inclusion or condition.- For simple, neutral addition: Do not use
さえwhen you simply mean "also" or "too" in a neutral sense. For instance, if you want to say, "I also like coffee," useコーヒーも好きですinstead ofコーヒーさえ好きです. Usingさえhere would imply something like "I like even coffee (which might be surprising given my usual taste)." - When a condition is not the sole or minimal factor: The
さえ〜ばconstruction implies that only the stated condition is necessary. If multiple conditions are required, or if the condition is not seen as a baseline, other conditional forms like〜たら,〜なら, or〜とare more appropriate. For example, for "If it rains, we won't go,"雨が降ったら、行かないis natural;雨さえ降れば、行かないis grammatically possible but makes less sense unless rain is the only thing preventing your departure, and you're implying a strong wish for it not to rain. - In highly formal or objective writing: While not strictly forbidden, the emphatic nature of
さえcan sometimes make text sound less objective or more emotional than intended in very formal contexts. In such cases,すらmight occasionally be seen, or simpler, less loaded constructions preferred. - When emphasizing a positive outcome that isn't a surprising minimum:
さえtypically highlights an unexpected low point or a crucial, often difficult, minimum. If someone simply succeeds at something challenging, you wouldn't typically useさえunless you're surprised they managed even that. For example,彼は試験に合格した。(He passed the exam.) is neutral. Saying彼は試験にさえ合格した。implies surprise that he even passed (perhaps he usually fails, or the exam was unexpectedly easy for him), which might not be the intended nuance.
Common Mistakes
さえ due to its similarity to other particles and its unique requirements for particle replacement and conditional formation.- Confusing
さえwithも: This is the most common mistake. Remember,も(mo) signifies neutral inclusion ("also," "too"), whereasさえadds an emphatic nuance of "even" with surprise, extremity, or minimum. For example, to say "I'm tired too," use私も疲れている(watashi mo tsukareteiru), not私さえ疲れている. The latter implies, "Even I am tired," suggesting that the speaker is usually never tired, making their current state noteworthy. - Incorrect Particle Placement (replacing
がorを): A common error is to keepがorをbeforeさえ, such asお金がさえor本をさえ. This is incorrect.さえreplacesがandを). Therefore, it should beお金さえ(okane sae) and本さえ(hon sae). Always remember this substitution rule whenさえemphasizes the subject or direct object. - Omitting the
ばconditional form inさえ〜ば: When you intend to express "if only" or "as long as," you must use theばconditional form afterさえ. Saying時間さえあるfor "if only I had time" is incomplete. It must be時間さえあれば(jikan sae areba). Theばform is integral to the conditional meaning of this construction. - Over-dramatization: Due to its emphatic nature, using
さえindiscriminately can make your speech sound overly dramatic or exaggerated, especially in casual or straightforward contexts where a simpler particle would suffice. It's akin to always speaking in superlatives; reserve it for moments when the emphasis genuinely enhances the message. - Applying
さえincorrectly to adjectives: Whileさえcan combine with adjectives in theさえ〜ばconditional, directly attachingさえto the plain form of an adjective (e.g.,美味しいさえ) is incorrect. For an "even X" meaning with adjectives, you'd typically use adverbial forms or other structures. For conditional, follow theくさえあればorければさえすればpatterns.
Common Collocations
さえ, forming natural and idiomatic expressions. Learning these collocations can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension of spoken and written Japanese.名前さえ(namae sae): "even the name." Often used when someone cannot recall even the most basic piece of information.彼の名前さえ忘れた。(I even forgot his name.)一言|こと}さえ(hitokoto sae): "even a single word." Emphasizes a complete lack of communication.彼女は一言|こと}さえ言わなかった。(She didn't even say a single word.)少しさえ(sukoshi sae): "even a little." Highlights a minimal amount or degree.少しさえ時間がない。(I don't even have a little time.)これさえあれば(kore sae areba): "if only I had this / as long as I have this." A very common expression for identifying the single, most crucial item or condition.これさえあれば、もう他に何もいらない。(As long as I have this, I need nothing else.)お金さえあれば(okane sae areba): "if only I had money." A frequent lament or wish.お金さえあれば、留学できるのに。(If only I had money, I could study abroad.)時間さえあれば(jikan sae areba): "if only I had time." Another common expression of desire for more time.時間さえあれば、もっと勉強したい。(If only I had time, I'd want to study more.)天気さえ良ければ(tenki sae yokereba): "if only the weather were good." A typical conditional wish, especially before outdoor plans.天気さえ良ければ、富士山が見えるはずだ。(If only the weather were good, we should be able to see Mt. Fuji.)夢にさえ(yume ni sae): "even in my dreams." Often used in negative contexts, meaning something was so unlikely or impossible that it didn't even occur in dreams.こんなことは夢にさえ思わなかった。(I never even dreamt of such a thing.)想像さえできない(souzou sae dekinai): "I can't even imagine." Expresses profound inability to conceptualize something.その光景は想像さえできないほど美しかった。(That scene was so beautiful, I couldn't even imagine it.)
Contrast With Similar Patterns
さえ potentially confusing for learners. Distinguishing さえ from も, まで, すら, だけ, and ばかり is key to accurate usage.さえ vs. も (mo)も: This is the most basic particle for neutral addition; it means "also," "too," or "as well." It simply adds another item to a category or indicates shared quality. It doesn't carry the emotional weight or sense of extremity thatさえdoes.コーヒーも好きです。(I also like coffee.) – Neutral statement.私も行きます。(I'm going too.) – Neutral inclusion.さえ: Signifies emphatic inclusion or extreme case. It implies surprise, highlighting a minimum, or expressing a strong emotion. It suggests that if this particular item is true, then other, less extreme items are also true, or if it's false, then others are even more so.コーヒーさえ飲めない。(I can't even drink coffee.) – Implies coffee is a basic drink, and the inability to drink it is noteworthy (e.g., due to illness).私さえ知らない秘密。(A secret that even I don't know.) – Expresses surprise that the speaker, who might expect to know, is unaware.
さえ vs. まで (made)まで: Indicates a progression to an unexpected endpoint or an exhaustive range. It means "even to the extent of," implying a list or scale that has reached a surprising or extreme conclusion.までsuggests a journey or a degree that has been met or exceeded.子供まで泣いた。(Even the children cried.) – Suggests that the crying spread to the children, who might typically be more resilient, implying a widespread emotional impact.徹夜してまで仕事を終わらせた。(I even stayed up all night to finish the work.) – Highlights the extreme effort made.さえ: Focuses on a minimum or baseline example that is unexpectedly true or false. It doesn't necessarily imply a progression. While both can mean "even,"さえpicks out a singular, often easy or fundamental, item to make its point, often with a nuance of surprise or difficulty.子供でさえ分かる。(Even a child understands.) – A child is presented as the baseline for understanding, implying the concept is simple.疲れすぎて、立つことさえできない。(I'm so tired, I can't even stand up.) – Standing is a basic action, and the inability to do it highlights extreme fatigue.
さえ vs. すら (sura)すら: Highly similar toさえin meaning ("even") but is significantly more formal, literary, and often carries a stronger sense of negativity, resignation, or despair. It's less common in everyday conversation and more frequently found in written works or formal speech. While sometimes interchangeable withさえ,すらtends to evoke a more profound sense of shock or hopelessness.彼女は彼の顔すら見なかった。(She didn't even look at his face.) – Sounds more detached and severe thanさえ.貧しくて、水すら飲めなかった。(I was so poor, I couldn't even drink water.) – Conveys a deep level of hardship.さえ: More versatile and common in both spoken and written Japanese. While it can convey negativity, it's also used for wishes and general emphasis without the same degree of formality or despair asすら.
さえ vs. だけ (dake) & ばかり (bakari)だけ: Means "only" or "just," indicating exclusivity or limitation without the emphatic nuance ofさえ. It simply states that nothing else applies or exists in a given context.水だけ飲む。(I'll just drink water.) – Implies only water, no other drinks.ばかり: Means "only," "nothing but," or "always doing X," often implying an excessive focus or repetitive action. It can suggest a negative or undesirable emphasis.遊んでばかりいる。(He's always just playing.) – Suggests an excessive amount of playing.さえ(inさえ〜ばform): While also indicating a "just this one thing" condition,さえcarries the strong implication that this single thing is sufficient and often expresses a wish or determination. It's not merely a neutral limitation but a critical one.時間さえあれば、終わる。(If only I had time, it would finish.) – Highlights time as the crucial, singular enabler.
さえ when you want to highlight an extreme or minimal point with emphasis, surprise, or to express a single, crucial condition. Use も for neutral addition, まで for progressive extremity, すら for formal/negative extremity, and だけ/ばかり for simple or excessive limitation.Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
さえbe used with verbs directly, like食べるさえ?
Not typically. While Verb Stem + さえ (e.g., 歩さえしない) exists for the "even" meaning, the more common and natural way to combine さえ with verbs is in the さえ〜ば conditional form using Verb Stem + さえすれば or Verb Te-form + さえいれば/あれば. For example, 食べさえすれば (if you just eat).
- Q: Is
でさえthe same asさえ?
でさえ is a specific combination of the particle で (which indicates means, location, or a subject's status) followed by さえ. It's used when さえ emphasizes the agent or means (often a person or group) or a state. For example, 私でさえ分かる (Even I understand) or 子供でさえできる (Even a child can do it). While both convey "even," でさえ specifies that で would normally be the particle used in that context. 私さえ知らない would be correct if 私 is the subject, but 私でさえできる is correct if 私 is the agent who can do something.
- Q: Does
さえalways mean "even"?
Predominantly yes, but its precise nuance shifts. In the さえ〜ば structure, it means "if only" or "as long as," focusing on a single, necessary condition. In other contexts, it always emphasizes an extreme or minimal case, translating broadly to "even."
- Q: Is
さえacceptable in polite speech?
Absolutely. さえ itself is not inherently informal or impolite. Its politeness is determined by the conjugation of the verb or adjective at the end of the sentence. For example, 平仮名さえ書けません (I can't even write hiragana) is perfectly polite, while 平仮名さえ書けない is casual. The emphatic nature of さえ is suitable across various speech levels.
- Q: Can
さえbe used with adjectives?
Yes, but indirectly. For the "even" meaning, you'd typically use the adverbial (〜く form) for い-adjectives (e.g., 忙しくさえ感じる). For the さえ〜ば conditional meaning, you combine it with the ば form of adjectives, forming patterns like 安ければさえすれば or 美味しくさえあれば, and for な-adjectives, な-Adj + でさえあれば (e.g., 元気でさえあれば).
- Q: Is
さえused more in positive or negative sentences?
さえ is very frequently used in negative sentences (e.g., 〜さえしない, 〜さえできない) to emphasize that even the minimum is not met. However, it is also commonly used in positive sentences, especially with the さえ〜ば structure, to express strong wishes or necessary conditions (e.g., これさえあれば). Its usage depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but its role in highlighting extreme or minimal cases often aligns with negative statements of inability or lack.
Formation with Nouns
| Noun | Particle | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
{子供|こども}
|
さえ
|
Even a child
|
|
{私|わたし}
|
さえ
|
Even I
|
|
{金|かね}
|
さえ
|
If only money
|
|
{時間|じかん}
|
さえ
|
If only time
|
|
{彼|かれ}
|
にさえ
|
Even to him
|
|
{雨|あめ}
|
でさえ
|
Even rain
|
Meanings
A particle used to emphasize a minimum or extreme condition, often implying that if this condition is met, everything else is covered.
Extreme Emphasis
Used to show that even an extreme or unlikely subject performs an action.
“{天才|てんさい}でさえ{間違|まちが}える。”
“{大人|おとな}でさえ{泣|な}いた。”
Minimum Condition
Used with conditional forms (ば/たら) to mean 'if only'.
“{金|かね}さえあればいい。”
“{時間|じかん}さえあれば{行|い}く。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + さえ + Verb
|
{彼|かれ}さえ{知|し}っている
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + さえ + Negative Verb
|
{彼|かれ}さえ{知|し}らない
|
|
Conditional
|
Noun + さえ + Verb(ba)
|
{金|かね}さえあれば
|
|
Particle combo
|
Noun + に/で + さえ
|
{彼|かれ}にさえ{言|い}った
|
|
Extreme
|
Noun + でさえ + Verb
|
{天才|てんさい}でさえ{失敗|しっぱい}する
|
Formality Spectrum
彼でさえ存じ上げませんでした。 (Talking about a secret.)
彼でさえ知りませんでした。 (Talking about a secret.)
彼でさえ知らなかった。 (Talking about a secret.)
彼すら知らんかった。 (Talking about a secret.)
Sae Usage Map
Emphasis
- Even Surprise
Condition
- If only Minimum requirement
Examples by Level
{私|わたし}さえ{知|し}らない。
Even I don't know.
{金|かね}さえあればいい。
If only I had money.
{彼|かれ}は{挨拶|あいさつ}さえしなかった。
He didn't even say hello.
{専門家|せんもんか}でさえ{解|わか}らない{問題|もんだい}だ。
It is a problem that even experts don't understand.
{一言|ひとこと}さえ{言|い}ってくれれば、{手伝|てつだ}ったのに。
If you had just said one word, I would have helped.
{彼|かれ}の{名前|なまえ}さえ{忘|わす}れるとは、{信|しん}じられない。
To think he even forgot his name, I can't believe it.
Easily Confused
Mo is additive, Sae is emphatic.
Dake is limit, Sae is threshold.
Both mean even.
Common Mistakes
私 は さえ 知らない
私 さえ 知らない
さえ 私 知らない
私 さえ 知らない
彼 も 知らない
彼 さえ 知らない
彼 だけ 知らない
彼 さえ 知らない
時間 が さえ あれば
時間 さえ あれば
お金 さえ ほしい
お金 さえ あれば
彼 に さえ に 言った
彼 に さえ 言った
雨 さえ 降る
雨 さえ 降らなければ
それ さえ 良い
それ さえ よければ
彼 さえ 来る
彼 さえ 来れば
彼 さえ 来た
彼 さえ 来てくれれば
Sentence Patterns
___さえあれば、幸せだ。
___でさえ、それはできない。
___さえしてくれればいい。
___さえ知らなかった。
Real World Usage
君さえいればいいよ。
プロでさえ失敗するんだ。
条件さえ合えば、働きたいです。
地図さえあれば大丈夫。
アプリさえあれば注文できる。
この理論でさえ不完全だ。
Particle Replacement
Don't over-use
Conditional Pairing
Modesty
Smart Tips
Use 'de-sae' for stronger emphasis than just 'sae'.
Use 'sae...ba' for a natural 'if only' flow.
Use 'sae' to emphasize the lack of something.
Use 'sae' to highlight the extreme.
Pronunciation
Sae
Pronounced like 'sigh' + 'eh'.
Emphasis
Kare SA-E shiranai
High pitch on Sae for emphasis.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Sae sounds like 'sigh'. If you only had that one thing, you wouldn't have to sigh anymore.
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side is a tiny feather (the minimum condition), and on the other is a giant mountain (the result). Sae is the feather that tips the scale.
Rhyme
When you want to say 'even' or 'if only', just add 'sae' and you're not lonely.
Story
A man is stranded on an island. He says, 'If only I had a boat (fune sae areba)'. He sees a bird fly by and says, 'Even a bird (tori sae) can leave'. He finally realizes he just needs a signal.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things you wish you had right now using '...sae areba'.
Cultural Notes
Used to express modesty or extreme surprise.
Often replaced by 'sae' but with different pitch accents.
Used carefully to avoid sounding too emotional.
Derived from the classical Japanese particle 'sae'.
Conversation Starters
What is one thing you need to be happy?
Who is the most famous person you know?
What is the hardest thing you've ever done?
If you could change one thing about your day?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
彼___知っている。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
雨がさえ降らなければ。
あれば / いい / お金 / さえ
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
時間___あれば、行きます。
Even experts don't know.
Find and fix the mistake:
彼さえは来なかった。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises彼___知っている。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
雨がさえ降らなければ。
あれば / いい / お金 / さえ
Match the phrase.
時間___あれば、行きます。
Even experts don't know.
Find and fix the mistake:
彼さえは来なかった。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
5 exercises{勉強|べんきょう}（ ）すれば、{大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}ですよ。
[さえ | 天気 | ければ | 良 | 行きましょう]
Translate into Japanese:
Select the natural expression:
{子供|こども}がさえ{知|し}っている。
Score: /5
FAQ (8)
No, it attaches to nouns. Use the conditional form of the verb after the noun.
It is neutral. Use Sura for formal writing.
It replaces Ga and Wa. It follows Ni and De.
Mo is 'also', Sae is 'even'.
Yes, it means 'not even'.
Yes, to set conditions.
They have different meanings. Dake is 'only'.
Very common.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
incluso
Incluso doesn't replace subject markers.
même
Même is an adjective/adverb, Sae is a particle.
sogar
Sogar is an adverb.
すら
Sura is formal.
حتى
Hatta is a preposition.
甚至
Shenzhi is a conjunction.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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