Meaning
さえ is used to present an extreme or surprising example to emphasize a point, typically appearing before negative statements. The particle さえ highlights something unexpected or unusual by citing an extreme case. When the preceding particle is を, が, or は, it can be omitted. The fixed expression ただでさえ means 'already; as it is.'
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 名词(助词) | さえ |
Examples
-
彼は毎日朝から晩までとても忙しく、新聞を読むひまさえもない。
He is so busy from morning to night every day that he doesn't even have time to read the newspaper. -
現代の科学でさえ、解明できない現象がたくさんある。
There are many phenomena that even modern science cannot explain. -
彼は私のパソコンを壊したのに、謝りさえしなかった。
He broke my computer but didn't even apologize.
Summary
- さえ emphasizes extreme or unexpected examples, often in negative contexts to strengthen a statement
- Particle particles (を, が, は) before さえ can be dropped in casual speech
- ただでさえ is a fixed phrase meaning 'already' or 'as it is,' often used before additional negative information