It is essential to learn Japanese vocabulary when studying the language. In addition to words borrowed from other languages, Japanese vocabulary is vast and diverse. Learning essential words and phrases, as well as specialized terminology and idiomatic expressions, is essential for effective communication in Japanese.

JLPT N3 Grammar: くせに (kuse ni) Meaning

くせに (kuse ni) expresses the contrast or irony between one’s actions or characteristics and expectations or assumptions. Structures consist of the particle くせに (kuse ni) and a verb or adjective. 

It is often translated as “despite,” “even though,” or “in spite of.”

Form :

Verb (dictionary form) くせに

Noun + の

な-adjective + な

い-adjective

Examples:

嬉しいくせに。素直に喜びなよ。 I know you’re happy about it. Why don’t you just show it?

あいつ男のくせに、よく泣くよなぁ。　Although he is a man, he cries frequently.

彼女がいるくせに、何で他の女と遊ぶんだよ。

When she has a girlfriend, why does she play with another woman?

彼は何もしないくせに、いつも口だけは達者なんだよな。

His mouth is always good, even when he doesn’t do anything.

自分では何もできないくせに、人の悪口ばかり言うのは良くないよ。

Being a one-man show isn’t good for him, so speaking ill of others all the time isn’t good for him.

あいつ、たくさん勉強したくせに、いつも「勉強してない」と嘘をついて高得点をとるんだよなぁ。

It was never true that he did not study, even though he studied a lot.

斎藤さんは日本人のくせに、日本語が変なんだよな。

The Japanese Saito-san speaks is strange, even though he is Japanese.

彼はお金をたくさん持っているくせに、一度だっておごってくれたことがない。

I’ve never received anything from him, despite his wealth.

彼女は１年前からダイエットしていると言っていたくせに、何一つ変わってないよ。

Despite eating a healthy diet for a year, nothing has changed.