no tocante a
no tocante a في 30 ثانية
- A formal prepositional phrase meaning 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
- Essential for professional, academic, and legal Portuguese writing.
- Requires the preposition 'a' and correct contractions (ao, à, aos, às).
- A sophisticated alternative to 'sobre' or 'quanto a' in serious contexts.
The Portuguese phrase no tocante a is a sophisticated prepositional locution used to introduce a specific topic or to narrow the focus of a conversation or document. In English, it is most accurately translated as 'concerning,' 'regarding,' 'with respect to,' or 'in relation to.' While it might seem complex at first glance, its structure is quite logical: it combines the preposition 'em' (in) with the definite article 'o' (the), the word 'tocante' (which functions here as a substantive meaning 'that which touches' or 'the part that concerns'), and the preposition 'a' (to). Therefore, literally, it means 'in the [part] touching to.' This phrase is a cornerstone of formal Portuguese communication, bridging the gap between simple everyday speech and the elevated registers of legal, academic, and professional writing. When you use this phrase, you are signaling to your audience that you are about to address a specific point with precision and clarity.
- Grammatical Category
- Locução Prepositiva (Prepositional Phrase). It requires a complement, usually preceded by an article that contracts with the final 'a'.
In contemporary usage, no tocante a is predominantly found in contexts where precision is paramount. You will frequently encounter it in government reports, legal contracts, scientific papers, and formal business emails. It serves as a transition marker, helping the writer move from a general subject to a specific detail without losing the flow of the argument. For example, in a performance review, a manager might say, 'Seu desempenho técnico é excelente; todavia, no tocante à pontualidade, precisamos observar melhorias.' This usage allows the speaker to separate different aspects of a situation clearly.
A nova lei é bastante clara no tocante aos direitos dos trabalhadores temporários.
Understanding the nuance of this phrase involves recognizing its 'touching' roots. The verb tocar (to touch) implies a point of contact. When we use no tocante a, we are metaphorically 'touching' upon a subject. It is less direct than 'sobre' (about) and carries a weight of authority. In Brazilian Portuguese, particularly in political discourse, this phrase became somewhat of a stylistic hallmark for certain public figures, which has led to its increased visibility in news media. However, learners should be cautious: using it in a very casual setting, such as at a bar with friends, might sound overly stiff or even sarcastic unless intended for comedic effect.
- Register and Tone
- Formal to highly formal. It is an excellent choice for B1-C2 level students looking to elevate their writing style in professional or academic settings.
Furthermore, the phrase is often used to contrast different areas of concern. One might discuss the 'what' of a project and then use no tocante a to discuss the 'how' or the 'when.' It acts as a spotlight, focusing the listener's attention on the specific variable being analyzed. In a world of generalities, this phrase is a tool for specificity. Whether you are discussing international relations or the fine details of a software update, no tocante a provides the linguistic structure necessary to categorize information effectively.
Não houve mudanças significativas no tocante ao orçamento previsto para o próximo trimestre.
Finally, it is worth noting that while 'no tocante a' is very common in Brazil, it is also perfectly understood and used in Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique, though regional preferences for synonyms like 'relativamente a' or 'quanto a' may vary. Its universality across the Lusophone world makes it a high-value phrase for any serious student of the language. By mastering its use, you demonstrate not just vocabulary knowledge, but an understanding of Portuguese rhetorical structure and formal etiquette.
- Syntactic Function
- It introduces an adverbial adjunct of matter or subject (adjunto adverbial de assunto), clarifying what the main clause refers to.
A empresa é líder de mercado, especialmente no tocante à inovação tecnológica.
Estamos aguardando uma resposta oficial no tocante às novas diretrizes de segurança.
Using no tocante a effectively requires a solid grasp of Portuguese contractions and the concept of 'regência' (prepositional government). Because the phrase ends with the preposition 'a', it must interact with whatever follows it. If the following word is a masculine noun preceded by 'o', you get 'ao'. If it is a feminine noun preceded by 'a', you get 'à' (crase). If it is a plural noun, you get 'aos' or 'às'. This is the most crucial technical aspect of using the phrase correctly in a sentence. Without these contractions, the sentence will sound ungrammatical and amateurish.
- The Crase Rule
- When the subject is feminine (e.g., 'a educação'), use the grave accent: 'No tocante à educação'. If the subject is masculine (e.g., 'o desenvolvimento'), use: 'No tocante ao desenvolvimento'.
In terms of sentence placement, no tocante a is highly flexible. It can appear at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage for what is to follow. This is common in executive summaries or introductory paragraphs. For example: 'No tocante à infraestrutura, o projeto prevê a construção de três novas pontes.' By starting with this phrase, you immediately categorize the information, making it easier for the reader to digest. Alternatively, it can be placed in the middle of a sentence to add specific detail or to qualify a previous statement: 'O relatório foi aprovado, mas restam dúvidas no tocante ao financiamento.'
No tocante à saúde pública, o governo anunciou novos investimentos em hospitais regionais.
One of the strengths of no tocante a is its ability to handle complex, multi-word subjects. You can use it to refer to abstract concepts or lengthy descriptions. For instance: 'No tocante à necessidade de implementar novas políticas de sustentabilidade nas áreas urbanas, o debate continua acalorado.' Here, the phrase introduces a very long and complex subject, yet it maintains structural integrity. This makes it a favorite for lawyers and bureaucrats who need to reference specific clauses or legal definitions without ambiguity.
- Comparison with 'Sobre'
- While 'sobre' is the general word for 'about', 'no tocante a' is more specific and formal. Use 'sobre' for general topics ('Falamos sobre futebol') and 'no tocante a' for professional delimitations ('Falamos no tocante às metas de vendas').
Another advanced usage involves combining no tocante a with pronouns. While less common, you might see 'no tocante a isso' (regarding that) or 'no tocante a este ponto' (regarding this point). These constructions are useful in debates or meetings when you want to refer back to something previously mentioned. It sounds much more professional than saying 'sobre isso'. In a business negotiation, saying 'No tocante a esse valor, podemos negociar' sounds firm and prepared, whereas 'Sobre esse valor...' might sound more casual.
A decisão do juiz foi imparcial, especialmente no tocante à partilha dos bens.
Finally, consider the rhythm of your sentence. Because no tocante a is a five-syllable locution, it adds a certain cadence to the text. It slows the reader down and demands attention for the subject that follows. This is why it is so effective in persuasive writing or formal speeches. It acts as a linguistic 'pause and point' gesture. If your sentence is already very long and cluttered, you might opt for a shorter synonym like 'quanto a' to maintain readability. However, when you want to emphasize the gravity or the specific scope of a topic, no tocante a is your best tool.
- Common Contexts
- Legal briefs, corporate presentations, academic thesis chapters, formal diplomatic correspondence, and detailed project specifications.
Não podemos ser negligentes no tocante à proteção de dados dos nossos clientes.
No tocante aos prazos de entrega, o fornecedor garantiu que não haverá atrasos.
If you are walking through the streets of Lisbon or São Paulo, you likely won't hear a teenager say no tocante a when talking about a movie they just saw. However, if you turn on the evening news, listen to a podcast about economics, or attend a university lecture, you will hear it constantly. This phrase is a staple of the 'Standard Formal' register of Portuguese. In Brazil, it has a particularly strong presence in the 'Jornal Nacional' or other serious news outlets where journalists strive for a neutral but elevated tone. It is the language of the 'bancada' (the news desk).
- Media Usage
- Used by news anchors to transition between different aspects of a story, such as moving from the social impact of a policy to its economic implications.
In the corporate world, no tocante a is the language of the boardroom. During a quarterly results meeting, a CEO might say, 'Tivemos um ano desafiador, mas no tocante ao lucro líquido, superamos as expectativas.' Here, it serves to isolate a positive data point amidst a broader discussion of challenges. It sounds professional, objective, and analytical. For a learner, using this phrase in a job interview or a business meeting in a Lusophone country will immediately signal a high level of linguistic competence and cultural awareness of professional norms.
O palestrante foi muito enfático no tocante à necessidade de ética na inteligência artificial.
Legal environments are perhaps where no tocante a is most 'at home'. Portuguese legal language, often called 'juridiquês', is famously complex and traditional. Lawyers use this phrase to refer to specific articles of the law or sections of a contract. For instance, 'No tocante ao artigo quinto da Constituição...' is a standard way to begin a legal argument. Because the phrase is precise, it helps avoid the ambiguity that can be costly in legal proceedings. If you ever find yourself reading a Portuguese contract or a court ruling, keep an eye out for this phrase; it will usually precede the most important details of the document.
- Political Discourse
- Politicians use it to sound authoritative and to categorize their promises or critiques. It provides a structure for policy debates.
In academic settings, from undergraduate essays to doctoral dissertations, no tocante a is used to delimit the scope of research. A researcher might write, 'Este estudo foca na biologia marinha, especificamente no tocante às espécies invasoras no Atlântico Sul.' This helps the reader understand exactly what the research covers and, by extension, what it does not cover. It is a tool for intellectual honesty and precision. Students who use this phrase in their academic writing in Portuguese are often graded more favorably for their command of academic style.
A conferência abordará diversos temas, especialmente no tocante ao aquecimento global.
Lastly, you will hear it in formal speeches, such as wedding toasts (if they are very formal), graduation speeches, or official government announcements. It gives a sense of 'gravitas' to the spoken word. When a speaker says 'no tocante a', the audience knows that the speaker is moving to a serious point. It is a linguistic signal of importance. For a learner, hearing this phrase is a great 'anchor'—it tells you exactly what the next few sentences will be about, helping you navigate complex spoken Portuguese more easily.
- Summary of Environments
- 1. News Broadcasts. 2. Legal Documents. 3. Academic Papers. 4. Business Meetings. 5. Political Speeches.
O governo federal se manifestou no tocante à crise migratória na fronteira norte.
Houve um consenso entre os diretores no tocante aos novos horários de trabalho.
The most frequent mistake learners (and even some native speakers) make with no tocante a is related to the preposition that follows the word 'tocante'. Many people mistakenly use 'de' instead of 'a', resulting in the incorrect 'no tocante de'. This likely happens because other similar phrases like 'a respeito de' or 'dentro de' use 'de'. However, 'tocante' is a present participle of 'tocar' (to touch), and in this fixed expression, the movement of 'touching' is directed 'to' something. Therefore, it must always be 'no tocante a'. Using 'de' is a clear marker of a lack of formal education in the language's nuances.
- The 'De' Trap
- Incorrect: No tocante do problema...
Correct: No tocante ao problema... (a + o = ao)
Another very common error is the omission of the 'crase' (the grave accent) when the following word is feminine and definite. Because 'no tocante a' ends in 'a', and many feminine Portuguese words begin with 'a', they must merge. Writing 'no tocante a educação' without the accent is a grammatical error. It should be no tocante à educação. Conversely, some people 'over-correct' and put a crase where it doesn't belong, such as before masculine words or verbs. You should never write 'no tocante à problemas'; it must be 'no tocante a problemas' (general) or 'no tocante aos problemas' (specific).
Erro comum: No tocante a empresa. Correto: no tocante à empresa.
A stylistic mistake is the 'mismatch of register'. Using no tocante a in a very informal text message or a casual conversation can make you sound pretentious or as if you are trying too hard. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard barbecue. For example, saying 'No tocante ao que vamos comer hoje, eu prefiro pizza' sounds unnaturally stiff. In these cases, 'sobre' or 'quanto a' are much better choices. The key to sounding like a natural speaker is knowing not just the meaning of the word, but the social context in which it 'lives'. Reserve this phrase for situations that require a professional or serious tone.
- Register Mismatch
- Avoid: (To a friend) 'No tocante à festa de ontem, foi legal.'
Better: 'Sobre a festa de ontem, foi legal.'
Confusion with similar-sounding phrases is also a hurdle. Learners sometimes mix it up with 'no que tange a' or 'quanto a'. While they are synonyms, they have different grammatical requirements. 'No que tange a' is even more formal and is often used in legal contexts. 'Quanto a' is more versatile and can be used in semi-formal settings. The mistake often lies in mixing the prepositions: 'quanto à' (correct) vs 'quanto de' (incorrect). Keeping these 'prepositional pairs' straight in your head is a major step toward B2 and C1 fluency.
Cuidado: Não confunda no tocante a com no que tange a. Embora similares, o segundo é ainda mais formal.
Finally, watch out for redundancy. Since no tocante a already implies 'regarding', you don't need to add other words that mean the same thing. For example, 'No tocante ao assunto sobre a economia' is redundant because 'no tocante a' already introduces the 'assunto'. Simply saying 'No tocante à economia' is cleaner and more professional. Good Portuguese writing prizes 'concisão' (conciseness), and using formal phrases correctly is a great way to achieve that without sacrificing depth or politeness.
- Redundancy Check
- Avoid: 'No tocante à respeito da...'
Correct: 'No tocante à...' or 'A respeito da...'
Erro de concordância: No tocante aos política. Correto: no tocante à política.
Erro de preposição: No tocante do orçamento. Correto: no tocante ao orçamento.
Portuguese is rich in expressions that serve the same purpose as no tocante a. Depending on the level of formality you wish to achieve and the specific context of your sentence, you might choose one of several alternatives. The most common and versatile synonym is quanto a. It is slightly less formal than 'no tocante a' but still perfectly acceptable in business and academic settings. It also requires the preposition 'a', so you must use 'quanto ao' or 'quanto à'. It is a 'safe' choice for B1 learners who want to sound professional without sounding overly bureaucratic.
- Alternative: Quanto a
- Usage: 'Quanto à sua proposta, ainda estamos analisando.' (Regarding your proposal, we are still analyzing it). Register: Neutral/Formal.
Another high-level alternative is no que tange a. This phrase is almost identical in meaning to 'no tocante a' but is even more common in legal and technical texts. 'Tanger' is a verb that means 'to touch' or 'to relate to', often in a more abstract or distant sense than 'tocar'. Using 'no que tange a' shows a very high level of Portuguese proficiency. For example, 'No que tange à legislação vigente, o projeto cumpre todos os requisitos.' This sounds very authoritative and is common in official government communications.
Exemplo de 'no que tange a': No que tange à segurança cibernética, as novas medidas são essenciais.
For more general contexts, em relação a and relativamente a are excellent choices. 'Em relação a' is perhaps the most frequent way to express 'in relation to' in both spoken and written Portuguese. It is neutral and can be used in almost any situation. 'Relativamente a' is slightly more common in European Portuguese than in Brazilian Portuguese, where it can sound a bit more formal. Both phrases follow the same contraction rules as 'no tocante a', making them easy to swap out once you master the grammar.
- Comparison Table
-
- No tocante a: Very formal, precise, authoritative.
- Quanto a: Neutral/Formal, versatile, common.
- No que tange a: Highly formal, legalistic, technical.
- Em relação a: Neutral, very common, safe for all levels.
- Sobre: Informal/Neutral, direct, simple.
If you need to be very specific about a topic of discussion, acerca de or a respeito de are the go-to phrases. These mean 'about' or 'concerning'. Note that these phrases use the preposition 'de', not 'a'. So you would say 'acerca do problema' or 'a respeito da situação'. These are great for adding variety to your vocabulary. 'A respeito de' is particularly common in professional emails when you want to state the subject clearly: 'Escrevo a respeito da nossa reunião de amanhã.'
Exemplo de 'a respeito de': A respeito da nova política de férias, todos serão informados em breve.
Finally, in academic or very formal writing, you might encounter concernente a. This is the direct cognate of 'concerning'. It is quite formal and is almost exclusively used in writing. It also requires the preposition 'a'. For example: 'As evidências concernentes ao caso foram arquivadas.' Using this word correctly will definitely impress native speakers with your command of the 'high' register of the Portuguese language.
- Register Summary
- From most to least formal: 1. No que tange a / Concernente a. 2. No tocante a. 3. Relativamente a / A respeito de. 4. Quanto a / Em relação a. 5. Sobre.
Dica: Use concernente a apenas em textos acadêmicos ou jurídicos para não soar excessivamente formal.
Em relação ao clima organizacional, a pesquisa mostrou resultados positivos.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The use of present participles as substantive nouns (like 'tocante') to form prepositional phrases is a classic feature of formal Romance languages, reflecting a Latinate rhetorical style.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'o' in 'no' as an open 'o' (like 'not'). It should be closed like 'new'.
- Failing to nasalize the 'an' in 'tocante'.
- Pronouncing the final 'a' too long when it is not contracted.
- Misplacing the stress on 'TO-cante'.
- Merging 'no' and 'tocante' into a single word without a pause.
مستوى الصعوبة
Easy to recognize in texts once you know the meaning.
Requires mastery of contractions and crase to use correctly.
Can feel unnatural for learners to integrate into spoken conversation.
Common in formal media, helpful for identifying topics.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Contraction of Preposition 'a' with Articles
no tocante + a + o = no tocante ao
Crase (Grave Accent)
no tocante + a + a = no tocante à
Prepositional Government (Regência)
'Tocante' in this locution must always be followed by 'a', never 'de'.
Fixed Locutions
The 'no' in 'no tocante a' is fixed and does not change to 'na'.
Infinitive Verbs after Prepositions
No tocante a fazer (No article, no crase).
أمثلة حسب المستوى
No tocante ao preço, é muito caro.
Regarding the price, it is very expensive.
Simple use of 'no tocante ao' (a + o).
No tocante à comida, eu gosto de pizza.
Regarding the food, I like pizza.
Simple use of 'no tocante à' (a + a).
No tocante ao tempo, está sol.
Regarding the weather, it is sunny.
Using the phrase to talk about the weather.
No tocante ao livro, é muito bom.
Regarding the book, it is very good.
Direct subject introduction.
No tocante à música, eu prefiro rock.
Regarding the music, I prefer rock.
Feminine contraction with 'música'.
No tocante ao hotel, ele é grande.
Regarding the hotel, it is big.
Masculine contraction with 'hotel'.
No tocante ao trabalho, estou cansado.
Regarding work, I am tired.
Common everyday topic in a formal way.
No tocante à família, eles estão bem.
Regarding the family, they are well.
Feminine contraction with 'família'.
No tocante às regras, precisamos de ordem.
Regarding the rules, we need order.
Plural feminine contraction 'às'.
No tocante aos estudos, ela é muito dedicada.
Regarding studies, she is very dedicated.
Plural masculine contraction 'aos'.
No tocante à viagem, vamos amanhã.
Regarding the trip, we are going tomorrow.
Feminine singular with crase.
No tocante ao contrato, vou assinar agora.
Regarding the contract, I will sign now.
Masculine singular contraction.
No tocante à saúde, é importante comer bem.
Regarding health, it is important to eat well.
Abstract noun 'saúde'.
No tocante ao esporte, eu jogo futebol.
Regarding sports, I play soccer.
Masculine singular 'esporte'.
No tocante à festa, quem vai?
Regarding the party, who is going?
Using the phrase in a question.
No tocante ao pagamento, já foi feito.
Regarding the payment, it has already been made.
Past participle 'feito' used with the phrase.
No tocante à economia nacional, os números são estáveis.
Regarding the national economy, the numbers are stable.
Professional/Economic context.
No tocante aos direitos humanos, a conferência foi um sucesso.
Regarding human rights, the conference was a success.
Social/Political context.
No tocante à sua pergunta, a resposta é sim.
Regarding your question, the answer is yes.
Formal response structure.
No tocante à nova lei, precisamos de mais informações.
Regarding the new law, we need more information.
Legal/Administrative context.
No tocante ao desenvolvimento do projeto, estamos no prazo.
Regarding the project development, we are on schedule.
Business/Project management context.
No tocante à segurança, o prédio tem câmeras novas.
Regarding security, the building has new cameras.
Practical/Technical context.
No tocante aos lucros, a empresa superou a meta.
Regarding profits, the company exceeded the goal.
Financial context.
No tocante à educação, o país precisa investir mais.
Regarding education, the country needs to invest more.
Public policy context.
No tocante à preservação ambiental, as medidas são urgentes.
Regarding environmental preservation, the measures are urgent.
Urgent tone in formal writing.
No tocante à infraestrutura urbana, há muito o que melhorar.
Regarding urban infrastructure, there is a lot to improve.
Complex noun phrase 'infraestrutura urbana'.
No tocante ao impacto social, o projeto foi bem recebido.
Regarding the social impact, the project was well received.
Abstract concept 'impacto social'.
No tocante à política externa, o presidente foi criticado.
Regarding foreign policy, the president was criticized.
Political analysis context.
No tocante à gestão de pessoas, a empresa é exemplar.
Regarding people management, the company is exemplary.
HR/Business context.
No tocante à tecnologia da informação, estamos atualizados.
Regarding information technology, we are up to date.
Technical/Modern context.
No tocante à transparência, o relatório é impecável.
Regarding transparency, the report is impeccable.
Ethical/Corporate context.
No tocante ao orçamento aprovado, não haverá cortes.
Regarding the approved budget, there will be no cuts.
Financial/Administrative context.
No tocante à hermenêutica jurídica, a interpretação foi vasta.
Regarding legal hermeneutics, the interpretation was broad.
High-level legal terminology.
No tocante à volatilidade do mercado, os investidores estão cautelosos.
Regarding market volatility, investors are cautious.
Sophisticated financial analysis.
No tocante à eficácia do fármaco, os testes foram conclusivos.
Regarding the drug's efficacy, the tests were conclusive.
Scientific/Medical context.
No tocante à soberania nacional, o tratado é polêmico.
Regarding national sovereignty, the treaty is controversial.
Diplomatic/Geopolitical context.
No tocante à disparidade de renda, o estudo aponta falhas graves.
Regarding income disparity, the study points out serious flaws.
Sociological research context.
No tocante à estética da obra, o autor inovou significativamente.
Regarding the work's aesthetics, the author innovated significantly.
Artistic/Literary criticism.
No tocante à ética profissional, não há espaço para dúvidas.
Regarding professional ethics, there is no room for doubt.
Strong declarative formal statement.
No tocante à sustentabilidade, a empresa adotou novas diretrizes.
Regarding sustainability, the company adopted new guidelines.
Modern corporate social responsibility.
No tocante à idiossincrasia do autor, o texto é revelador.
Regarding the author's idiosyncrasy, the text is revealing.
Very advanced literary vocabulary.
No tocante à plausibilidade da tese, os argumentos são robustos.
Regarding the plausibility of the thesis, the arguments are robust.
Academic/Philosophical context.
No tocante à obsolescência programada, o debate é ético.
Regarding planned obsolescence, the debate is ethical.
Technical/Economic critique.
No tocante à resiliência institucional, o país superou a crise.
Regarding institutional resilience, the country overcame the crisis.
Political science terminology.
No tocante à imaterialidade do ser, a filosofia diverge.
Regarding the immateriality of being, philosophy diverges.
Metaphysical/Philosophical context.
No tocante à convergência digital, o mercado se transformou.
Regarding digital convergence, the market has transformed.
Advanced business/tech terminology.
No tocante à perenidade das leis, a justiça deve ser vigilante.
Regarding the permanence of laws, justice must be vigilant.
Formal legal philosophy.
No tocante à subjetividade da arte, cada espectador tem sua visão.
Regarding the subjectivity of art, each viewer has their vision.
Abstract philosophical statement.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Used to highlight a specific point within a broader discussion.
O relatório é bom, especialmente no tocante à clareza.
— Similar to 'especialmente', emphasizes the most important aspect.
Houve avanços, principalmente no tocante aos custos.
— A formal way to say you have no comment regarding a specific topic.
Nada a declarar no tocante a esse assunto.
— Commonly used to express uncertainty about a specific detail.
Ainda tenho dúvidas no tocante ao novo contrato.
— Used to announce updates or alterations regarding something.
Haverá mudanças no tocante ao horário de funcionamento.
— Used when everyone agrees on a specific point.
Houve consenso no tocante à partilha dos lucros.
— Used to criticize a lack of care regarding a specific duty.
A empresa foi negligente no tocante à segurança.
— Used to point out something that stands out in a particular area.
Ela é destaque no tocante à liderança de equipe.
— Used to set what should come first regarding a set of tasks.
Temos prioridade no tocante à entrega das obras.
— Used to describe a fair or unbiased stance regarding a matter.
O juiz foi imparcial no tocante à sua decisão final.
يُخلط عادةً مع
This is the most common error. The correct preposition is 'a', not 'de'.
Very similar but even more formal. 'Tange' comes from 'tanger'.
A synonym, but 'quanto a' is more versatile and slightly less formal.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— A wordplay meaning 'concerning what affects me personally'.
No tocante ao que me toca, estou satisfeito.
Semi-formal/Playful— To touch a sore spot or a sensitive subject (related to the root 'tocar').
Ele tocou na ferida no tocante à dívida da empresa.
Informal/Neutral— Where the problem really lies (often used after 'no tocante a').
No tocante ao orçamento, é aí que o calo aperta.
Informal/Idiomatic— To clarify things (often used when clarifying something 'no tocante a').
No tocante ao contrato, vamos pôr os pingos nos is.
Neutral/Idiomatic— To admit defeat (used in debates 'no tocante a' a point).
No tocante àquela tese, tive que dar o braço a torcer.
Neutral/Idiomatic— To state the obvious (used when someone repeats facts 'no tocante a' a topic).
No tocante à crise, falar mais é chover no molhado.
Informal/Idiomatic— To talk too much (used when someone goes on and on 'no tocante a' something).
Ele fala pelos cotovelos no tocante à sua vida pessoal.
Informal/Idiomatic— To get straight to the point (often used with 'no tocante a').
No tocante à demissão, vou direto ao ponto.
Neutral/Idiomatic— To be undecided (used regarding a stance 'no tocante a' a topic).
No tocante à nova lei, ele ficou em cima do muro.
Informal/Idiomatic— To refuse responsibility (used 'no tocante a' a duty).
No tocante àquele erro, eu lavo as mãos.
Neutral/Idiomaticسهل الخلط
Both are formal prepositional phrases.
Relativamente a is more common in Portugal; No tocante a is very popular in Brazil.
Relativamente ao caso, não há novidades.
Both mean 'about'.
Acerca de uses 'de'; No tocante a uses 'a'.
Acerca do problema, vamos conversar.
Both are formal ways to introduce a topic.
A respeito de is slightly more common in business emails; No tocante a is more common in reports.
A respeito da reunião, estou pronto.
Sometimes used to introduce a topic.
Conforme means 'according to' (agreement); No tocante a means 'regarding' (focus).
Conforme o contrato, temos direitos.
Both are formal prepositions.
Mediante means 'by means of' or 'upon'; No tocante a means 'regarding'.
Mediante o pagamento, o serviço será feito.
أنماط الجُمل
No tocante [contraction] [noun], [clause].
No tocante ao preço, eu concordo.
[Clause], especialmente no tocante [contraction] [noun].
O plano é bom, especialmente no tocante à segurança.
No tocante a [verb in infinitive], é necessário [infinitive].
No tocante a investir, é necessário pesquisar.
Houve [noun] no tocante [contraction] [noun].
Houve mudanças no tocante ao horário.
No tocante [contraction] [complex noun phrase], a análise revela [noun].
No tocante à política externa brasileira, a análise revela avanços.
Nada a declarar no tocante [contraction] [noun].
Nada a declarar no tocante ao processo judicial.
No tocante [contraction] [abstract concept], a subjetividade é a norma.
No tocante à beleza da arte, a subjetividade é a norma.
Divergências surgiram no tocante [contraction] [noun].
Divergências surgiram no tocante à interpretação da lei.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High in formal writing; low in casual speech.
-
No tocante de
→
No tocante a
The word 'tocante' requires the preposition 'a' in this fixed expression. Using 'de' is grammatically incorrect.
-
No tocante a empresa
→
No tocante à empresa
When followed by a feminine singular noun, the preposition 'a' and the article 'a' must merge into 'à' (crase).
-
No tocante à problemas
→
No tocante a problemas
You should not use a crase before a plural noun if you are speaking generally (without the article 'as').
-
Na tocante a
→
No tocante a
The phrase is a fixed masculine locution. The 'no' (em + o) never changes to 'na'.
-
No tocante à ele
→
No tocante a ele
You never use a crase before masculine pronouns like 'ele'.
نصائح
Master the Contractions
The most important part of using this phrase is getting the contraction right. Remember: ao (m. sing.), à (f. sing.), aos (m. plur.), às (f. plur.).
Match the Register
Use this phrase in professional emails, reports, and formal presentations. Avoid it in casual texts to friends unless you're being funny.
Use for Transitions
It's a perfect way to start a new paragraph or section when you want to move the focus to a specific detail of your topic.
Listen for the 'A'
When listening to news, focus on the 'a' sound after 'tocante'. It will tell you if the noun following is masculine or feminine.
Synonym Variety
Don't over-use it. Mix it up with 'quanto a' or 'em relação a' to make your writing sound more natural and less repetitive.
Pause for Effect
In a presentation, saying 'No tocante a...' followed by a brief pause helps your audience prepare for the next important point.
Avoid 'No tocante de'
This is a common mistake even for natives. Always use 'a'. Think: 'Touching TO' rather than 'Touching OF'.
Legal Precision
If you are studying law in Portuguese, this phrase is essential for referring to specific articles or clauses.
Academic Tone
Using this phrase in the 'Introdução' or 'Conclusão' of a paper adds a layer of professionalism to your work.
The 'Touch' Rule
If you forget what it means, remember 'tocar' (to touch). You are 'touching' on a subject.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of the phrase as 'The part that is TOUCHING the subject'. 'No' (in the) + 'tocante' (touching part) + 'a' (to). It's the point of contact between your words and the topic.
ربط بصري
Imagine a finger pointing exactly at a specific section of a large map. That finger is 'no tocante a' that specific city.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to write three sentences about your favorite hobby using 'no tocante a' to describe different parts of it (e.g., the equipment, the rules, the feeling).
أصل الكلمة
Derived from the Portuguese verb 'tocar', which comes from the Vulgar Latin *taccare* (of uncertain, possibly Germanic or onomatopoeic origin, meaning 'to touch').
المعنى الأصلي: The word 'tocante' is the present participle of 'tocar', meaning 'that which touches'. In this locution, it evolved to mean 'that which touches upon a subject'.
Romance (Latin root).السياق الثقافي
There are no specific sensitivities, but be aware that using it too much can make you sound like a 'burocrata' (bureaucrat).
It is equivalent to the English use of 'with respect to' or 'regarding' in formal business or legal settings.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Business Meetings
- No tocante às metas...
- No tocante ao orçamento...
- No tocante aos prazos...
- No tocante à estratégia...
Legal Documents
- No tocante ao artigo...
- No tocante à cláusula...
- No tocante à prova...
- No tocante à sentença...
Academic Writing
- No tocante à metodologia...
- No tocante aos resultados...
- No tocante à teoria...
- No tocante à análise...
News Reporting
- No tocante à crise...
- No tocante ao governo...
- No tocante à economia...
- No tocante à saúde pública...
Formal Correspondence
- No tocante ao seu pedido...
- No tocante à sua dúvida...
- No tocante ao assunto...
- No tocante à nossa conversa...
بدايات محادثة
"No tocante à sua carreira, quais são os seus planos para o futuro?"
"No tocante ao aprendizado de idiomas, qual é o seu maior desafio?"
"No tocante à culinária brasileira, qual prato você mais gosta?"
"No tocante às viagens que você já fez, qual foi a mais memorável?"
"No tocante à tecnologia, você acha que ela ajuda ou atrapalha a vida?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Escreva sobre seus objetivos para este ano, especialmente no tocante ao seu crescimento pessoal.
Reflita sobre a situação do mundo hoje no tocante ao meio ambiente.
Descreva sua rotina diária, focando no tocante à sua produtividade.
Escreva uma carta formal para uma autoridade no tocante a um problema no seu bairro.
Analise um livro ou filme que você viu recentemente, especialmente no tocante à mensagem central.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, it is primarily a formal phrase. While you might hear it in news broadcasts or read it in professional documents, using it in a casual conversation with friends would sound out of place or overly stuffy. In casual settings, it's better to use 'sobre' or 'quanto a'.
You use 'à' (with the crase) when the following word is feminine and singular, and requires a definite article. For example: 'No tocante à educação'. If the word is feminine but you aren't using an article (e.g., before a verb), you just use 'a': 'No tocante a educar crianças'.
No, that is a common grammatical error. The phrase is fixed with the preposition 'a'. You should say 'no tocante ao' for masculine nouns and 'no tocante à' for feminine nouns. Using 'do' or 'da' is considered incorrect in standard Portuguese.
They are almost identical in meaning. However, 'no que tange a' is considered even more formal and is very frequently used in legal and highly technical academic writing. For most professional situations, 'no tocante a' is sufficient.
Yes, it is understood and used in Portugal, although European Portuguese speakers often prefer 'relativamente a' or 'quanto a' in formal contexts. 'No tocante a' has a very strong presence in Brazilian formal registers.
Yes, you can. When followed by a verb in the infinitive, you do not use an article or a crase. Example: 'No tocante a resolver o problema, ainda estamos pensando.' In this case, it just means 'Regarding solving the problem'.
No. The phrase is a fixed locution. 'No' is a contraction of 'em' + 'o' (masculine), and it remains 'no' regardless of whether the subject that follows is masculine or feminine.
It comes from the present participle of the verb 'tocar' (to touch). In this context, it means 'that which touches upon' or 'is relevant to' a certain subject. It's a metaphorical use of the word 'touch'.
Absolutely! It is an excellent phrase for academic essays. It helps to organize your arguments and shows that you have a high level of formal Portuguese vocabulary. Just make sure not to use it in every sentence.
The most common English equivalents are 'regarding,' 'concerning,' 'with respect to,' or 'in relation to.' It is more formal than a simple 'about'.
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Write a simple sentence about 'preço' using 'no tocante ao'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about your family using 'no tocante à'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Rewrite 'Eu quero falar sobre a economia' using 'no tocante à'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'inovação tecnológica' using 'no tocante à'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about 'legislação vigente' using 'no tocante à'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Regarding the book, it is good.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Regarding the rules, we need to follow them.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain a change in your work schedule using 'no tocante ao'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence comparing two topics using 'no tocante a' and 'quanto a'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'direitos fundamentais' using 'no tocante aos'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal email opening regarding a meeting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a successful project focusing on its budget.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Analyze the impact of a new law in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the weather using 'no tocante ao tempo'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
State your opinion on a movie's plot.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss the safety of a neighborhood.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Talk about your progress in Portuguese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Comment on a company's customer service.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Critique a political decision formally.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'Regarding the price, it is high.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the weather, it is hot.'
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قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the economy, I am worried.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding technological innovation, we are leading.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding legal interpretation, there are doubts.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Practice saying the nasal sound in 'tocante'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding my family, they are in Brazil.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding your proposal, I agree.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the deadline, we will finish today.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding social impact, the study is conclusive.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the book, it is blue.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the food, it is delicious.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding safety, the building is good.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the budget, there are no cuts.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding professional ethics, it is vital.'
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قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the results, we are happy.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the rules, I know them.'
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قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding sustainability, we have a plan.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding global warming, the situation is grave.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Regarding the payment, it was done.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Listen to: 'No tocante ao livro, é bom.' What is good?
Listen to: 'No tocante à saúde, tudo bem.' Is there a problem?
Listen to: 'No tocante à economia, o PIB subiu.' What happened to the GDP?
Listen to: 'No tocante aos lucros, batemos a meta.' Did they reach the goal?
Listen to: 'No tocante à hermenêutica, o juiz foi sábio.' How was the judge?
Listen to: 'No tocante ao prazo, estamos no limite.' Are they early?
Listen to: 'No tocante à música, eu prefiro rock.' What is the preference?
Listen to: 'No tocante à segurança, instalamos câmeras.' What was installed?
Listen to: 'No tocante à ética, não há dúvidas.' Is there doubt?
Listen to: 'No tocante ao contrato, assinei ontem.' When was it signed?
Listen to: 'No tocante ao preço, é dez reais.' How much is it?
Listen to: 'No tocante à infraestrutura, o país avançou.' Did the country progress?
Listen to: 'No tocante à volatilidade, o mercado caiu.' Why did the market fall?
Listen to: 'No tocante à sua dúvida, respondi agora.' When was the answer given?
Listen to: 'No tocante à viagem, foi ótima.' How was the trip?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'no tocante a' is a powerful tool for precision in formal Portuguese. It allows you to isolate and address specific topics with authority. Always remember to use the correct contraction with the following noun (e.g., 'No tocante à saúde').
- A formal prepositional phrase meaning 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
- Essential for professional, academic, and legal Portuguese writing.
- Requires the preposition 'a' and correct contractions (ao, à, aos, às).
- A sophisticated alternative to 'sobre' or 'quanto a' in serious contexts.
Master the Contractions
The most important part of using this phrase is getting the contraction right. Remember: ao (m. sing.), à (f. sing.), aos (m. plur.), às (f. plur.).
Match the Register
Use this phrase in professional emails, reports, and formal presentations. Avoid it in casual texts to friends unless you're being funny.
Use for Transitions
It's a perfect way to start a new paragraph or section when you want to move the focus to a specific detail of your topic.
Listen for the 'A'
When listening to news, focus on the 'a' sound after 'tocante'. It will tell you if the noun following is masculine or feminine.
محتوى ذو صلة
قواعد ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات academic
a despeito de
A2بالرغم من؛ على الرغم من. تعبير رسمي يستخدم لإظهار التباين أو التناقض.
a fim
A2تعبير يعني 'من أجل' أو 'بهدف'. بشكل غير رسمي، يعني 'يرغب في' أو 'معجب بـ'.
a saber
A2أي؛ وبالتحديد.
a título de exemplo
A2تعبير رسمي يعني 'على سبيل المثال'. يستخدم في السياقات الأكاديمية أو المهنية.
abordagem
A2النهج هو طريقة للتعامل مع شيء ما. يشير إلى الأسلوب أو الاستراتيجية المستخدمة. (النهج هو كيفية مواجهة موقف ما.)
abordar
B1يتناول موضوعاً أو يقترب من شخص.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abreviatura
B1A shortened form of a word or phrase.
abstração
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstracto
B1موجود في الفكر أو كفكرة ولكن ليس له وجود مادي أو ملموس.