HomeGrammarJLPT N2~さえ~ば (〜sae ~ba)

~さえ~ば (〜sae ~ba)

JLPT N2

Explanation

Expresses that, as long as a certain condition is met, something else will follow; 'if only', 'provided that'.

Formation

Detailed explanation

The ~さえ~ば grammar point is used to indicate that if a certain single condition is fulfilled, everything else will be fine or a certain result will occur. It often translates as 'as long as...' or 'if only...'.

Examples

Okane sae areba, shiawase desu.

As long as I have money, I’m happy.

Shiken ni goukaku shi sae sureba, sotsugyou dekimasu.

If only I pass the exam, I can graduate.

Yasai sae takusan tabereba, haha wa yorokobimasu.

As long as I eat plenty of vegetables, my mother will be happy.

Koutsuuhi sae shiharatte moraereba, doko e demo ikimasu.

As long as my transportation costs are covered, I’ll go anywhere.

Practice

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.