GRAMMAR
〜くせに
even though (blame/criticism)
Explanation
NOTE
〜くせに means even though or despite — but unlike other concessive forms, くせに carries a strong sense of criticism or blame.
子供のくせに生意気なことを言う。
Even though you're a child, you say such impudent things.
〜くせに is used to express strong criticism or annoyance, implying that the person's action is inappropriate for their status or situation.
NOTE
The speaker is annoyed or reproaching someone for an inconsistency. It cannot be used neutrally — it always implies a negative feeling.
STRUCTURE
V普
くせに知らないくせに、知ったふりをする。
Shiranai kuse ni, shitta furi o suru.
Even though you don't know, you pretend to know.
できないくせに、偉そうなことを言う。
Dekinai kuse ni, erasou na koto o iu.
Even though you can't do it, you talk as if you're impressive.
食べたくないと言ったくせに、全部食べた。
Tabetakunai to itta kuse ni, zenbu tabeta.
Even though you said you didn't want to eat, you ate everything.
STRUCTURE
N名修
くせに初心者のくせに、口だけは一人前だ。
Shoshinsha no kuse ni, kuchi dake wa ichinimae da.
Even though you're a beginner, you talk like a professional.
子供のくせに、大人のふりをする。
Kodomo no kuse ni, otona no furi o suru.
Even though you're a child, you act like an adult.
Practice exercises
1
知らないくせに、教えようとする。
Even though you don't know, you try to teach.
Answer
くせに
2
下手なくせに、批判ばかりする。
Even though you're bad at it, you only criticize.
Answer
くせに
3
行かないと言ったくせに、結局来た。
Even though you said you wouldn't go, you ended up coming.
Answer
くせに
4
新入社員のくせに、先輩に命令する。
Even though you're a new employee, you order your seniors around.
Answer
くせに
5
学生のくせに、先生に意見する。
Even though you're a student, you argue with the teacher.
Answer
くせに
6
子供のくせに、偉そうに話す。
Even though you're a child, you speak in a superior manner.
Answer
くせに
7
知らないくせに、知ったかぶりをする。
You even though you don't know, you pretend that you do.
Answer
くせに
8
何も知らないくせに、偉そうなことを言わないで。
Even though you know nothing, don't talk like you're so important.
Answer
知らないくせに
9
何も知らないくせに、偉そうなことを言わないで。
Do not speak so pretentiously even though you know nothing.
Answer
知らないくせに
10
子供のくせに、大人のふりをする。
Even though you're a child, you act like an adult.
Answer
くせに
11
初心者のくせに、口だけは一人前だ。
Even though you're a beginner, you talk like a professional.
Answer
くせに