Learning french: what does j’avoue mean and when should it be used?

A FRENCH LANGUAGE TIC WHICH CAN INDICATE YOU ARE ACTIVELY LISTENING TO AND AGREE WITH WHAT IS BEING SAID This word which was traditionally only heard in the courtroom has become a common

language tic with a similar meaning to 'totally' or 'I agree'.  While some people think using j’avoue in this way is improper,  that does not stop many French speakers

from using it in everyday conversation. WHAT DOES J’AVOUE MEAN? The verb avouer literally translates as to confess or admit. J’avoue, however, has become a common language tic in recent

years, typically used by young people to say 'totally', 'I agree' or 'you’re right'.  Synonyms in French are:  Read more: Mastering French phrases:

understanding 'en fait', 'au fait', and common mistakes WHEN DO YOU SAY _J’AVOUE_? It can be said as a standalone phrase after a statement when you want to show you are

actively listening to or agreeing with what somebody is saying: This word can also be used in a similar way, to express that you are surprised by something you had not previously realised: *

Statement: _Il vaut mieux utiliser un petit pinceau pour ajouter des détails._ - Using a small paintbrush is better to add details. * Response: _Ah ouais, j’avoue._ - Ahhh, makes sense. You

might hear avoue if someone is being encouraged to confess to something: READ ALSO: UNDERSTANDING FRENCH FILLER WORDS: A GUIDE TO EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES TO WHOM DO YOU SAY

_J’AVOUE_? The first person singular use of _j’avoue _as a standalone response should only be kept for informal situations and is most commonly said by young people in casual conversation.

However, depending on the context you can still use _j’avoue _in a variety of more traditional situations: * _Bon, j’avoue ne pas être un grand fan de golf._ - Okay, I’ll put my hands up and

say I am not a big fan of golf.