1.
despite; even though; and yet
A conjunction expressing criticism or frustration that someone acts in a way that contradicts what is expected given their situation. Carries a distinctly negative, reproachful tone — the speaker views the contradiction as blameworthy.
知らないくせに。
Even though you don't know.
Derived from the noun 癖 (habit, tendency). This particle connects a preceding clause to a following one, expressing the speaker's irritation or criticism at a perceived contradiction. The tone is always negative — it implies the person being criticized should behave differently given their circumstances.
Common patterns
Attaches to verbs (plain form), い-adjectives, な-adjective stems + な, and nouns + の:
- 動詞: 知らないくせに (even though [you] don't know)
- い-adj: 弱いくせに (even though [you're] weak)
- な-adj: 下手なくせに (even though [you're] bad at it)
- noun: 子供のくせに (even though [you're] a child)
Similar words
- のに — also means 'even though,' but is more neutral and can express disappointment without blame
- にもかかわらず — despite; formal and objective, no emotional criticism
- くせして — a more colloquial variant of くせに with the same critical tone
Register
Casual and spoken. Using くせに about someone present can be quite rude. Avoid in polite or formal contexts.