although~; despite the fact that~ (くせして) – Japanese Grammar くせして (kuse shite)

Q: What JLPT level is くせして?

JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Q: How do you use くせして in a sentence?

Attach くせして to the appropriate verb or noun form. Although~; despite the fact that~

Q: Is くせして formal or casual Japanese?

くせして is typically used in formal or written Japanese contexts.

くせして

N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today

kuse shite

although~; despite the fact that~

に際して ni saishite もっとも motto mo にほかならない ni hoka naranai 上は ue wa だけあって dake atte がきっかけで ga kikkake de 直ちに tadachi ni どころではない dokoro dewa nai 恐れがある osore ga aru 中を /中では naka o /naka dewa まだしも madashimo それにしても sore ni shitemo 再び futatabi よりほかない yori hoka nai だけのことはある dake no koto wa aru を契機に o keiki ni ねばならない neba naranai にも関わらず nimo kakawarazu 要するに you suru ni はともかく wa tomokaku に際して ni saishite もっとも motto mo にほかならない ni hoka naranai 上は ue wa だけあって dake atte がきっかけで ga kikkake de 直ちに tadachi ni どころではない dokoro dewa nai 恐れがある osore ga aru 中を /中では naka o /naka dewa まだしも madashimo それにしても sore ni shitemo 再び futatabi よりほかない yori hoka nai だけのことはある dake no koto wa aru を契機に o keiki ni ねばならない neba naranai にも関わらず nimo kakawarazu 要するに you suru ni はともかく wa tomokaku

🃏 Flashcard

くせして

kuse shite

Tap to reveal usage

although~; despite the fact that~

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📊 Pattern Stats

JLPT Level N2

Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Reading kuse shite

Post ID 51055

Patterns today 0

0 / 10 daily goal

📝 Usage Notes

although~; despite the fact that~

📖 How to use it

Expresses contradiction or criticism: 'despite the fact that...'

Attaches to Attach to the plain form of verbs (dictionary form, past tense) and to the plain form of adjectives (い-adj, な-adj + な), and to nouns + な. For example: 言うくせして, 言ったくせして, 静かなくせして, 学生のくせして.

This pattern points out a contradiction between what someone is or does and what is expected. It carries a tone of criticism, surprise, or annoyance. For example, if someone is a student but never studies, you can say '学生のくせして、ぜんぜん勉強しない' to express your disapproval. It is not neutral; it implies that the person should know better or that their behavior is unreasonable.

You can use it with any statement that contrasts with reality. The clause after くせして often states the surprising or contradictory fact. The pattern is similar to のに, but くせして is stronger in its judgmental nuance. It is commonly used in spoken Japanese, especially in complaints or when expressing frustration. It is less suitable for polite or formal situations.

あの人はお金がないくせして、高いレストランに行きたがる。

Ano hito wa okane ga nai kuse shite, takai resutoran ni ikitagaru.

That person wants to go to expensive restaurants even though he has no money.

彼女はまだ子供のくせして、大人の話に口を出す。

Kanojo wa mada kodomo no kuse shite, otona no hanashi ni kuchi o dasu.

She is still a child, yet she butts into adult conversations.

知らないくせして、知ったかぶりするなよ。

Shiranai kuse shite, shittakaburi suru na yo.

Don't pretend to know when you don't.

Not のにのに is neutral and can be used for any contrast. くせして is subjective and critical, often directed at a person's character or behavior. If you are stating a simple fact, use のに. If you are complaining, use くせして.

🎯 Quick Quiz

What does this grammar pattern mean or do?

くせして

📚 How to Master This Pattern

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Say It Aloud

Press Hear it and repeat くせして three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.

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Flip Before Reading

Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.

✍️

Write Two Sentences

Compose two original sentences using くせして. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.

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Spaced Review

Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.

🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns

← Previous

ことにはならない

just because… doesn’t mean~

まだしも

rather; better

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the grammar pattern くせして mean? ▼

Although~; despite the fact that~

What JLPT level is くせして? ▼

Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.

How do you use くせして in a sentence? ▼

Attach くせして (kuse shite) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.

Is くせして formal or casual Japanese? ▼

くせして is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.

How can I remember くせして long-term? ▼

Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.