N3205/219

くせに

Verb (dictionary form) + くせにい-adjective + くせにな-adjective + な + くせにNoun + の + くせに

Meanings

  • Even though
  • And yet
  • Despite
  • Despite the fact that
  • Even with ...

About this pattern

Explanation

くせに expresses a complaint or reproach about someone’s behavior that is inconsistent with what they have done, said, or are in a position to do. It often carries a sense of ‘for all that’ or ‘despite being X, you Y’ and can sound critical or irritated. It’s used when the speaker expects better consistency or is annoyed by a contradiction. Notes: - It attaches to the plain form: to verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives (with な), and nouns (with の). - It tends to imply the speaker’s disapproval or sarcasm. - Often used in conversations or written remarks where someone is lamenting a double standard or inconsistency. Examples: - 彼は約束をすると言ったくせに、結局守らなかった。 (Even though he said he would keep the promise, he didn’t in the end.) - 彼女は若いくせに、もう大人のように振る舞う。 (She’s young, yet she behaves like an adult.) - 学校に行くくせに、宿題をしない。 (Even though he goes to school, he doesn’t do homework.) - 大人のくせに、そんなことで怒るの? (For an adult, you’re getting angry about something like that?) - 子どものくせに、そんなに夜更かしをする。 (Despite being a child, you stay up so late.)

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼は約束をすると言ったくせに、結局守らなかった。

Even though he said he would keep the promise, he didn’t in the end.

彼女は若いくせに、もう大人のように振る舞う。

She’s young, yet she behaves like an adult.

学校に行くくせに、宿題をしない。

Even though he goes to school, he doesn’t do homework.

大人のくせに、そんなことで怒るの?

For an adult, you’re getting angry about something like that?

子どものくせに、そんなに夜更かしをする。

Despite being a child, you stay up so late.