〜くせに
Formation
Meaning
Used to express criticism, blame, or teasing toward someone who takes an action or state that is inappropriate for their position or situation. It implies a contradiction between reality and behavior.
Note
A casual and often derogatory expression used to criticize someone for acting in a way that contradicts their status, ability, or knowledge. It carries a strong nuance of blame, contempt, or teasing ('Even though you are just a X, you do Y'). Unlike '〜なのに', it cannot be used to describe oneself unless expressing strong self-deprecation. It is used exclusively for people or animate objects. Connects directly to verbs/adjectives or with 'の' for nouns.
Examples
彼は何も知らないくせに、知っているようなふりをしている。
Although he knows nothing, he's pretending as if he knows everything.
本当は嬉しいくせに、嫌そうな顔をしている。
Even though you're actually happy, you're making a face as if you're annoyed.
自分は全然勉強しないくせに、子供には勉強しろと言う。
Even though you don't study at all yourself, you tell your children to study.
下手なくせして、プロのようなことを言う。
Despite being bad at it, he says things like a professional.
元気なくせに、病気のふりをして学校を休んだ。
Although he's healthy, he pretended to be sick and stayed home from school.
子供のくせに、そんな生意気なことを言うもんじゃない。
For a child, you shouldn't say such cheeky things.
男のくせして、そんなことで泣くんじゃない。
Despite being a man, don't cry over such a thing.
大学生のくせに、こんな漢字も書けないのか。
Even though you're a university student, you can't even write this kanji?