even though, despite, and yet

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Critical expression showing disapproval of contradiction.

[Plain form/Noun + の] + くせに

知らないくせに、知っているふりをする。

Shiranai kuse ni, shitte iru furi wo suru.

Even though they don't know, they pretend to know.

子供のくせに、生意気だ。

Kodomo no kuse ni, namaiki da.

Despite being a child, they are cheeky.

Implies criticism or blame.

～わりに

for, considering, although

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Has negative/critical nuance.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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