さえ (sae): Even
～さえ (sae)
Meaning
Even
Formation and usage
V（ます形）ます + さえ
N + さえ
Explanation
Highlights an extreme example; さえ～ば instead presents a sufficient condition.
Examples
忙しくて、資料さえ読めなかった。
I was so busy that I could not even read the documents.
忙しくて、報告書さえ読めなかった。
I was so busy that I could not even read the report.
忙しくて、説明書さえ読めなかった。
I was so busy that I could not even read the instructions.
忙しくて、計画書さえ読めなかった。
I was so busy that I could not even read the written plan.
忙しくて、申込書さえ読めなかった。
I was so busy that I could not even read the application form.
How related patterns differ
さえ and すら give extreme examples; たりとも excludes even the smallest amount. はおろか denies a more basic case. どころか counters an expectation; どころではない leaves no room to act. のみ and にすぎない limit things with different emphasis.