N3Emphasis and Degree

【名詞(＋助詞)/動詞て形】＋さえ

Q: Is "Using 'さえ' with 'も'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'も' for a less emphatic expression". While both 'さえ' and 'も' can be used to express a sense of 'even', 'さえ' is more emphatic and should be used to convey a stronger sense of surprise or astonishment.

Q: Is "Using 'さえ' with 'まで'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'まで' for a single extreme example". When only a single extreme example is intended, use 'まで' instead of 'さえ' to convey a sense of 'up to' or 'as far as'.

Q: Is "Incorrect particle order" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct particle order (e.g., 'にさえ' instead of 'さえに')". When using this pattern with a location particle, make sure to use the correct order (e.g., 'にさえ' instead of 'さえに').

even

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern 【名詞(＋助詞)/動詞て形】＋さえ is used to emphasize an extreme or unexpected example, suggesting that other things are a matter of course. It is often used to convey a sense of 'even' or 'as far as'. This pattern is particularly useful for expressing surprise or astonishment at the extent of something.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Verb te-form	名詞(＋助詞) + 動詞て形 + さえ	子供にわかることが、さえありません。 (Even children can understand this.)
Noun with particle	名詞(＋助詞) + さえ	彼の名前を、さえ書けなかった。 (He couldn't even write his own name.)
Noun with location particle	名詞(＋に/で/から) + さえ	彼は東京にさえ行ったことがない。 (He has never even been to Tokyo.)

Examples

Example Sentences

忙しすぎて、寝る時間さえありません。

Isogashi sugite, neru jikan sae arimasen.

I'm so busy that I don't even have time to sleep.

忙しすぎて (very busy) + 寝る時間 (sleeping time) + さえ (even) + ありません (there is not)

子供にわかることが、さえありません。

Kodomo ni wakaru koto ga sae arimasen.

Even children can understand this.

子供に (even children) + わかること (understand) + さえ (even) + ありません (there is not)

彼は自分の名前さえ書けなかった。

Kare wa jibun no namae sae kakekane nai.

He couldn't even write his own name.

彼は (he) + 自分の名前 (his own name) + さえ (even) + 書けなかった (couldn't write)

彼は東京にさえ行ったことがない。

Kare wa Tōkyō ni sae itta koto ga nai.

He has never even been to Tokyo.

彼は (he) + 東京に (even to Tokyo) + さえ (even) + 行ったことがない (has never been)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to emphasize an extreme or unexpected example, suggesting that other things are a matter of course. It is often used in formal writing or spoken language to convey a sense of surprise or astonishment. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with the less emphatic 'も' or use it with 'まで' when only a single extreme example is intended.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using 'さえ' with 'も'

Use 'も' for a less emphatic expression

While both 'さえ' and 'も' can be used to express a sense of 'even', 'さえ' is more emphatic and should be used to convey a stronger sense of surprise or astonishment.

Using 'さえ' with 'まで'

Use 'まで' for a single extreme example

When only a single extreme example is intended, use 'まで' instead of 'さえ' to convey a sense of 'up to' or 'as far as'.

Incorrect particle order

Use the correct particle order (e.g., 'にさえ' instead of 'さえに')

When using this pattern with a location particle, make sure to use the correct order (e.g., 'にさえ' instead of 'さえに').

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

In the JLPT exam, be prepared to see this pattern used in a variety of contexts, including formal writing and spoken language. Pay close attention to the emphasis and nuance conveyed by the use of 'さえ' and be able to distinguish it from other patterns that express a sense of 'even' or 'as far as'.

In context