さえ
In English, we might say, "not even close" to show that not even the minimum expectation has been met. In Japanese, we can express this by attaching 「さえ」 to the object or verb that miserably failed to reach what one would consider as a given. Let's see some examples of this with nouns first. You can also use the same grammar in a positive sentence to show that that is all you need to produce a desired effect.
Examples
（１） 宿題が多すぎて、トイレに行く
時間さえなかった。
- There was so much homework, I didn't even have time to go to the bathroom.
（２） お金
さえあれば、何でも出来るよ。
- The least you need is money and you can do anything.
（３） お弁当を買うお金
さえなかった。
- I didn't even have money to buy lunch.
For nouns only, you can add 「で」 and use 「でさえ」 instead of just 「さえ」. There are no grammatical differences but it does sound a bit more emphatic.
（４）
私でさえ出来れば、あんたには楽ちんでしょう。
- If even I can do it, it should be a breeze for you.
You can also attach 「さえ」 to the stem of verbs to express a minimum action for a result. This is usually followed up immediately by 「する」 to show that the minimum action was done (or not done in the case of negative).
（５） ビタミンを
食べさえすれば、健康が保証されますよ。
- If you just eat vitamins, your health will be guaranteed.
（６） 自分の過ちを
認めさえしなけらば、問題は解決しないよ。
- The problem won't be solved if you don't even recognize your own mistake, you know.
Using 「（で）さえ」 to describe the minimum requirement
For nouns, attach 「さえ」 or 「でさえ」 to the minimum requirement
例） 私さえ - even me
例） 子供でさえ - even children
For verbs, change the verb to the stem and attach 「さえ」
例） 食べる → 食べさえ
例） 行く → 行き → 行きさえ 《NOT MY ENGULISH!）
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