〜くせに
Even though (reproach) 〜くせに
Meaning
"Even though ~", "and yet ~" — with contempt, blame or resentment.
Formation
[plain form] + くせに · [noun] の + くせに · [na-adj] な + くせに
Notes
Always critical of the person concerned, so both clauses must be about the SAME subject and it cannot be used about yourself neutrally. のに is the neutral version; くせに adds a sneer, which makes it rude to a superior.
Examples
知（し）っているくせに教（おし）えてくれない。
He knows perfectly well and yet he will not tell me.
Breakdown
子供（こども）のくせに生意気（なまいき）なことを言（い）う。
He is only a child and yet he talks so cheekily.
Breakdown
下手（へた）なくせに、いつも文句（もんく）を言（い）います。
He is bad at it and yet he is always complaining.
Breakdown
約束（やくそく）したくせに、来（こ）なかった。
He promised, and then did not come.
Breakdown
お金（かね）がないくせに高（たか）い物（もの）ばかり買（か）う。
He has no money and yet buys nothing but expensive things.
Breakdown
⚠️ Often confused with
〜が、〜
But 〜が
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". More formal/written than けど.
〜けど、〜
But 〜けど (colloquial)
Connects two clauses with contrast — "but / however". The everyday spoken equivalent of が...
〜のに
Although 〜のに
Contrast with feeling — "although ~", "even though ~". Carries surprise, disappointment or...
〜ながらも
Although (formal) 〜ながらも
"Although ~", "while ~" — a written contrast between two facts held at once.
〜にもかかわらず
In spite of 〜にもかかわらず
"In spite of ~", "despite ~" — a strong, formal contrast.
〜わりに
Considering 〜わりに
"Considering ~", "for a ~" — the result is out of proportion with what you would expect.
〜ものの
Although (written) 〜ものの
"Although ~", "~, but" — the expected consequence did not follow.
〜とはいえ
Be that as it may 〜とはいえ
"Although ~", "be that as it may" — concedes a known fact, then denies the expectation it...
〜といえども
Even granting that 〜といえども
"Even though ~", "even ~ (of all people)" — a very formal concession.