GRAMMAR
〜さえ
even
Explanation
NOTE
〜さえ means even — it highlights something unexpected or extreme to make a point.
子供さえその問題を解けた。
Even a child could solve that problem.
Used here to emphasize the extreme simplicity of the problem by showing that even someone typically incapable could do it.
NOTE
Attach さえ directly to a noun to express "even [noun]". When you say even X, you imply X is the most surprising example.
STRUCTURE
N辞
さえ彼は自分の名前さえ書けない。
Kare wa jibun no namae sae kakenai.
He can't even write his own name.
忙しくて食事さえできなかった。
Isogashikute shokuji sae dekinakatta.
I was so busy I couldn't even eat a meal.
疲れていて言葉さえ出なかった。
Tsukarete ite kotoba sae denakatta.
I was so tired that even words wouldn't come out.
Practice exercises
1
彼女は水さえ飲まなかった。
She didn't drink even water.
Answer
さえ
2
彼は漢字さえ読めない。
He can't even read kanji.
Answer
さえ
3
試験が怖くて名前さえ書けなかった。
I was so nervous about the exam I couldn't even write my name.
Answer
さえ
4
犬は名前さえ知っている。
The dog even knows its name.
Answer
さえ
5
忙しくて昼食さえとれなかった。
I was so busy I couldn't even have lunch.
Answer
さえ
6
疲れて一歩さえ歩けなかった。
I was so tired I couldn't walk even one step.
Answer
さえ
7
緊張して自分の名前さえ書けなかった。
I was so nervous I couldn't even write my own name.
Answer
さえ
8
混乱して基本的な単語さえ思い出せなかった。
I was so confused I couldn't even recall basic vocabulary.
Answer
さえ