〜くせに
JLPT N3:even though (critical)
"Even though X", with open criticism: the person's behaviour does not fit what they are or what they know.
How to form it
- Put the plain form before くせに: 知っているくせに.
- Nouns take の and な-adjectives take な: 子供のくせに, 下手なくせに.
- Both halves have the same subject, and it is someone other than the speaker.
Examples
知っているくせに、教えてくれない。
He knows perfectly well, but he won't tell me.
子供のくせに生意気だ。
He's cheeky for a kid.
Notes
- At the end of a sentence, くせに leaves a complaint hanging: 知っているくせに (as if you didn't know!).
Common mistakes
- Using it about yourself or about someone you respect.
Similar meaning
- 〜のにeven though
"Even though", with surprise or regret rather than contempt.