〜くせに
despite (critical)
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜くせに.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜くせに」 means "despite (critical)". Structure: Plain + くせに. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1知っているくせに、成功を教えてくれません。
しって いる くせ に、せいこう を おしえて くれません。
shitte iru kuse ni, seikou o oshiete kuremasen.
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the success.
Everyday life
Example 2知っているくせに、安心を教えてくれません。
しって いる くせ に、あんしん を おしえて くれません。
shitte iru kuse ni, anshin o oshiete kuremasen.
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the relief.
Everyday life
Example 3知っているくせに、原因を教えてくれません。
しって いる くせ に、げんいん を おしえて くれません。
shitte iru kuse ni, gen'in o oshiete kuremasen.
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the cause.
Everyday life
Example 4知っているくせに、能力を教えてくれません。
しって いる くせ に、のうりょく を おしえて くれません。
shitte iru kuse ni, nouryoku o oshiete kuremasen.
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the ability.
Everyday life
Example 5知っているくせに、態度を教えてくれません。
しって いる くせ に、たいど を おしえて くれません。
shitte iru kuse ni, taido o oshiete kuremasen.
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the attitude.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Even though he knows, he will not tell me the success.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜くせに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.