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〜くせに

even though (and I don't like it)

Plain form + くせに (な-adj + な · Noun + の)

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くせに is like のに, but with open criticism of the person: 知っているくせに、教えてくれない, "they know perfectly well, yet they won't tell me".

It's aimed at people, and it says their behaviour doesn't fit what they are or know: 子どものくせに, "for a mere kid"; お金がないくせに, "when they have no money". The subject of both halves must be the same person.

Because it's so judgemental, it's mostly used when complaining about someone, or in arguments. On its own at the end of a sentence, it's a sulky retort: 知ってるくせに!, "you know perfectly well!"

For a neutral "considering", use わりに; for mild disappointment, のに.

Register: Critical, and rude if aimed at someone directly.

Examples

  • 知しっているくせに、教おしえてくれない。

    They know perfectly well, yet they won't tell me.

  • 子こどものくせに、生意気なまいきだ。

    You're awfully cheeky for a kid.

  • 自分じぶんではやらないくせに、文句もんくばかり言いう。

    He never does it himself, yet all he does is complain.

  • 下手へたなくせに、歌うたいたがる。

    They're bad at it, yet they always want to sing.

  • お金かねがないくせに、高たかい物ものばかり買かう。

    He has no money, yet he keeps buying expensive things.

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