JLPT N3 grammar

〜さえ／にさえ／でさえmeaning and usage

Meaning

Even A

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • nounさえ/でさえ
  • nounにさえ
  • verb (masu-stem)さえしない

How it is used

Gives an extreme case, 'even A', implying the rest goes without saying. Subjects often take 「でさえ」; other particles come before it (「にさえ」). Stronger than 「も」. 「〜さえ〜ば」 'as long as' is a different pattern.

Examples

  1. この問題は、 子供でさえ答えられるほど易しい。

    This question is so easy that even a child can answer it.

  2. 忙しくて、昼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 lunch.

  3. このことは、親友にさえ話していない。

    I haven't told even my best friend about this.