confession
/kɔ̃.fɛ.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word "confession" is translated into French as confession.
confession refers to an open admittance. It is a direct translation of the English word and is used in various formal contexts. To say "to make a confession," use the phrase faire une confession.
Meaning: open admittance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. Therefore, it is preceded by the feminine article une or the feminine possessive adjective ma (my).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /kɔ̃.fɛ.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb donner (to give) to express making a confession. Instead, use the verb faire.
Did you know?
- In France, the word confession can refer to a person's entire religious denomination or faith, not just the act of admitting a fault.
- While confession describes the act of admitting something, a lawyer in a French court would typically use the word aveu to refer to a legal confession.
- In a Catholic context, the rite of confession is more formally called le sacrement de pénitence, which translates to 'the sacrament of penance'.
Examples in context
- J'ai une confession à faire.I have a confession to make.This sentence is useful for learning how to express that you have a confession to make using confession.Tatoeba #7982826 by Aiji, translation #2358678 by CK
- J'ai une confession à faireI have a confession to make
- Faire un aveuTo make a confession
- Je dois t'avouer quelque choseI have to confess something to you
- Sa confession a surpris tout le monde.His confession surprised everyone.
- Elle a fait une confession sincère.She made a sincere confession.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking about a secret.
- NathanÉcoute, Emma, j'ai une confession.Listen, Emma, I have a confession.
- EmmaJe t'écoute, Nathan. Qu'est-ce qui se passe ?I'm listening, Nathan. What's happening?
- NathanC'est moi qui ai cassé le vase.It was me who broke the vase.
- EmmaMerci pour ta confession !Thank you for your confession!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confession” translations and entries confession, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
