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If only
Definition
The grammar pattern 'N + さえ + V-ba / V-masu + さえすれば' expresses a condition that is sufficient to bring about a result. It implies that other conditions are not necessary as long as this one is met. This pattern is used to convey a sense of 'if only' or 'as long as.' It is often used in conditional sentences to describe a situation where one condition is enough to achieve a certain outcome. The nuance of this pattern is that it emphasizes the importance of the given condition, implying that it is the only necessary condition for the result to occur.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-ba form | N + さえ + V-ba | 彼が来れば、問題ない |
| V-masu form | N + さえすれば | 彼が来れば、問題ないでしょう |
| V-ba form with emphasis | N + さえ + V-ba すれば | 彼が来れば、問題ないでしょうから |
Examples
彼が来れば、問題ない
Kare ga kiteba, mondai wa nai
If only he comes, there won't be a problem
彼 (kare) = he, 来れば (kiteba) = as long as he comes, 問題ない (mondai wa nai) = there won't be a problem
この薬を飲めば、風邪はすぐに治りますよ
Kono kusuri o nomeba, kazeha wa sugu ni naori masu yo
If only you take this medicine, you'll recover from the cold soon
この薬 (kono kusuri) = this medicine, 飲めば (nomeba) = as long as you take it, 風邪はすぐに治ります (kazeha wa sugu ni naori masu) = you'll recover from the cold soon
道を知れば、一人で目的地まで行けます
Michi o shiru beki, hitori de mokuteki e made ikemasu
If only you know the way, you can go to your destination alone
道を知れば (michi o shiru beki) = as long as you know the way, 一人で (hitori de) = alone, 目的地まで (mokuteki e made) = to your destination, 行けます (ikemasu) = you can go
Context
This pattern is used in conditional sentences to describe a situation where one condition is enough to achieve a certain outcome. It is often used in polite or formal language. The 'ba' form is used for the verb in the condition, and the 'masu' form is used for the verb in the result. The nuance of this pattern is that it emphasizes the importance of the given condition, implying that it is the only necessary condition for the result to occur.
Watch out
The correct particle placement is 'N + さえ + V-ba / V-masu + さえすれば'. Incorrect placement of particles can change the meaning of the sentence.
'Koso' is used for emphasis, whereas 'さえすれば' is used to express a condition. They have different nuances and should not be confused with each other.
The dictionary form is not used in this pattern. Instead, the 'ba' form or 'sureba' is used to express the condition.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often tested in the reading comprehension section. Pay attention to the context and the nuance of the sentence to determine the correct answer. Practice using this pattern in your own sentences to improve your understanding and usage.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N + さえ + V-ba / V-masu + さえすれば used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
君さえいれば、他に何もいらない。
Pattern used: さえ
'さえ' combined with the conditional 'いれば' expresses 'if only you are here'.
この薬を飲みさえすれば、風邪はすぐに治りますよ。
Pattern used: 飲みさえすれば
For verbs, the formation is 'V-masu + さえすれば' to indicate the sufficient condition.
道さえわかれば、一人で目的地まで行けます。
Pattern used: さえ
The particle 'さえ' replaces 'ga' or 'o' when used with the 'ba' form to mean 'if only'.
Interactive
君______いれば、他に何もいらない。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.