Japanese grammar
What does ～くせに mean? Japanese grammar N3
～くせに means even though…; and yet… (blame, reproach, contempt).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + くせに Nの + くせに な形 + な + くせに |
| Romaji | kuseni |
| Meaning | even though…; and yet… (blame, reproach, contempt) |
Forming it
| Noun | 子ども → 子どものくせに |
|---|---|
| na-adjective | 下手 → 下手なくせに |
| Verb / i-adjective | 知っている → 知っているくせに |
How to use it
A contrastive connector WITH CRITICISM: A is the case, yet B happens, and the speaker is annoyed or contemptuous.
- 「くせに」 is close in meaning to 「のに」 but ALWAYS carries the speaker's negative emotion: 「知っているくせに、教えてくれない」.
- Both clauses must have the SAME subject — this is what distinguishes it from 「のに」: 「私は待っていたくせに、彼は来なかった」 is wrong; 「のに」 must be used.
- Because it carries a critical tone, it is not used toward superiors and not used when talking about oneself.
Examples
彼はお金持ちのくせに、いつも人におごらせる。
He is rich, yet he always makes other people pay.
知っているくせに、教えてくれなかった。
He knew, yet he wouldn’t tell me.
Keep in mind
- Nouns connect with 「の」; na-adjectives connect with 「な」.
- Both clauses share the same subject; for a neutral tone, use 「のに」 instead.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は頑張ったくせに、合格できなかった。
I did my best, yet I still didn't pass.
Correct私は頑張ったのに、合格できなかった。
「くせに」 is criticism of someone else, not used to talk about oneself.
-
Wrong子どもくせに、生意気だ。
Just a kid, yet so insolent.
Correct子どものくせに、生意気だ。
Nouns must connect via 「の」.
Exam tips
- 「くせに」 = and yet (CRITICAL); same subject; for a neutral tone use 「のに」.