avis
/a.vi/masculine
The usual French word for opinion is avis, and opinion also exists. If unsure, use avis.
Meaning: thought a person has formed about a topic (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| avis | /a.vi/ | masculine |
| opinion | /ɔ.pi.njɔ̃/ | feminine |
To say in my opinion, use à mon avis. Je suis d'avis que means I am of the opinion that, and Il me semble que means it seems to me that.
Which one should you use?
avis is far more common in everyday conversation, for giving your view or asking for someone else's. opinion is more formal or abstract and is used in academic or political contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
avis is masculine, as in un avis. opinion is feminine, as in une opinion.
How do you pronounce it?
avis is /a.vi/ in IPA, and the final s is silent.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say dans mon avis. The idiomatic phrase is à mon avis.
Did you know?
- The word avis comes from the same Latin root as the English word 'vision', as both are derived from the concept of 'seeing' or 'perceiving'.
- While avis translates to 'opinion', it is also the word used for a 'notice' or 'warning' sign, such as avis de tempête for a 'storm warning'.
- In a professional or legal setting, an avis is not just a suggestion but can be a formal, binding consultation provided by an expert.
Examples in context
- Pas à mon avis.Not in my opinion.Pas à mon avis is a quick way to disagree.Tatoeba #10098552 by Micsmithel, translation #6534644 by sundown
- Je veux ton avis.I want your opinion.ton avis asks a friend for their opinion with the informal your.Tatoeba #476966 by sacredceltic, translation #17317 by CK
- Tu as une opinion ?Do you have an opinion?une opinion is used here to ask whether someone has an opinion at all.Tatoeba #640024 by qdii, translation #25198 by CK
- Il me semble que cet artiste est talentueuxIt seems to me that this artist is talented
- Je suis d'avis que cela devrait être interditI am of the opinion that this should be forbidden
- 368 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a new movie at a cafe.
- ChloéTu as aimé le film, Gabriel ?Did you like the movie, Gabriel?
- GabrielOui, mais je veux ton avis.Yes, but I want your opinion.
- ChloéÀ mon avis, c'était un peu long.In my opinion, it was a bit long.
- GabrielJe comprends, mais l'histoire était géniale.I understand, but the story was great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “opinion” translations and entries avis, opinion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avis, opinion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
