JLPT N3 grammar

〜くせにmeaning and usage

Meaning

Even though A, unfortunate result/state B

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)くせに
  • い-adjectiveくせに
  • な-adjective (stem)なくせに
  • nounのくせに

How it is used

'Even though A, (still) B', said with blame, annoyance or contempt, usually about someone else; spoken style. Stronger criticism than 「〜のに」, and both halves must have the same subject.

Examples

  1. 姉は母に掃除を頼まれたくせに、私にさせた。

    Even though mom asked my big sister to clean, she made me do it.

  2. 兄は自分では何もしないくせに、文句ばかり言う。

    My older brother never does anything himself, yet he's always complaining.

  3. 大人のくせに、野菜も食べられないの？

    You're a grown-up and you can't even eat vegetables?