助詞N3
〜さえ
even... / so much as...
Structure
N + さえ
Explanation
Gives an extreme example, "even... / so much as...". Attaches to a noun + さえ (名前さえ書けない).
Examples
疲れすぎて、歩くことさえできません。
I'm so tired I can't even walk.
忙しくて、ご飯を食べる時間さえありません。
I'm so busy I don't even have time to eat.
Note
さえ gives an extreme example, often with a negative main clause. Similar to まで/も but stronger.