N3 Contrast, Comparison, and Concession

~くせに: meaning, usage and examples

~くせに means: even though... / despite... (expresses criticism or complaint).

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 兄あには自分じぶんでは何なにもしないくせに、文句もんくばかり言いう。

   My older brother never does anything himself, yet all he does is complain.

2. 彼かれは、知しらないくせに、知しっているふりをする。

   Even though he doesn't know, he pretends he does.

3. 山田やまださんは自分じぶんで約束やくそくしたくせに、来きませんでした。

   Ms. Yamada made the promise herself, but she still didn't come.

4. 弟おとうとは子こどものくせに、えらそうに話はなします。

   My little brother talks like he's the boss, even though he's just a kid.

When to use it

Means 'even though' or 'despite', but always with criticism. The speaker thinks the person should act differently because of who they are or what is true: 知しっているくせに教おしえてくれない 'he knows, yet he won't tell me'. Use it to complain about someone's behavior, attitude, or a situation that seems unfair.

Nuance

Strongly negative and emotional; it can sound rude, so avoid it in polite speech and never use it about yourself. The subject of both halves is usually the same person. A casual short form, くせに!, can end a sentence as a complaint.

Compare

Compare のに (even though): のに can show simple surprise or regret, even about yourself: 勉強べんきょうしたのに、落おちた. くせに always blames someone else: 勉強べんきょうしなかったくせに、文句もんくを言いう. If there is no criticism of a person, use のに.

Tip: Test: could you add "and that annoys me"? If yes, くせに fits. If you are only surprised or disappointed, use のに.