je dois avouer que

i must admit that

→ je

phrase Rare #39,771

i must admit that A phrase used to introduce a frank admission or confession. Despite the literal meaning “I must confess that,” it often means “I have to admit that” in natural English.

FR: Je dois avouer que je suis un peu nerveux.

EN: I have to admit that I'm a little nervous.

Je dois avouer que je pensais comme eux.

I must admit that I thought like them.

Je dois avouer que j'ai aimé ça.

I have to admit that I liked it.

Je dois avouer que j'ai quelques doutes sur ton plan.

I have to admit that I have some doubts about your plan.

Je dois avouer que je me sens un peu magicien.

I must admit that I feel a bit like a magician.

— Insaisissables 3 (2025)

Je dois avouer que c'est magnifique.

I have to admit, it’s magnificent.

— Femmes au bord de la crise de nerfs (1988)