〜くせに (kuse ni)

JLPT N3

How to say “even though,” but with a tone of criticism or complaint.

Meaning

“Even though ~ / despite ~.” Like のに, but it adds blame, contempt, or annoyance.

Formation

• Verb / い-adj (plain) + くせに

• な-adj + な + くせに; Noun + の + くせに

Examples

知っているくせに、教えてくれない。

Shitte iru kuse ni, oshiete kurenai. — He knows, yet he won't tell me.

お金があるくせに、いつもおごらない。

Okane ga aru kuse ni, itsumo ogoranai. — Even though he has money, he never treats anyone.

新人のくせに、態度が大きい。

Shinjin no kuse ni, taido ga ōkii. — For a newcomer, he sure acts high and mighty.

下手なくせに、練習しようとしない。

Heta na kuse ni, renshū shiyō to shinai. — He's bad at it, yet he won't even practice.

How it works

くせに is like のに but always carries a negative, judgmental feeling. Because of that tone, avoid using it about yourself or toward superiors.

Compared with similar expressions

• 〜くせに — even though (with criticism / blame).

• 〜のに — even though (surprise / disappointment).

• 〜けど — but (fully neutral).

Common mistakes

• Noun / な-adj: 子供 → 子供のくせに, 下手 → 下手なくせに

• Don't use it for yourself or to superiors — it sounds rude.

Related grammar

• 〜のに — even though

• 〜わりに — considering / for

• 〜ながら — while / although