Sunday, February 4, 2018

More on さえ

When さえ is used in non-conditional clauses, it translates as "even." Compare this to its usage with conditional verbs, where it generally means "if only." It does not occur alongside the particle が, を is usually not used with it, and the particles へ and に can optionally be used with it. All other particles are mandatory.

私は旅行が大好きで世界中を旅行した。南極へさえ行ったことがある。
I love traveling, and I've traveled throughout the world. I've even been to Antarctica.

アリスはリーさんが大好きだね。クリスマスに車さえ買ったんだ。
Alice really loves Lee-san. She even bought him a car for Christmas.

会議には世界中から人々が集まった。一番遠いロシアからさえ参加者があった。
People from around the world gathered at the conference. There were even participants from as far as Russia.

鍵を探しながら、古い財布を見つけて、10ドルさえ見つけたんだ。
While I was looking for my keys, I found my old wallet, and even found $10.

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