In 15 Sekunden
- Used to state objective facts based on evidence.
- Very formal; best for academic, legal, or professional writing.
- Uses the impersonal 'se' to sound authoritative and detached.
- Equivalent to 'It is observed that' or 'It is noted that'.
Bedeutung
Dieser Satz ist eine professionelle Art, eine objektive Beobachtung auf der Grundlage von Beweisen auszudrücken. Er entfernt die persönliche Meinung und präsentiert Fakten mit Autorität.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 11In a formal business report
Constata-se que o investimento rendeu frutos positivos no primeiro semestre.
It is noted that the investment yielded positive results in the first half of the year.
Writing an academic essay
Constata-se que a poluição urbana atingiu níveis críticos.
It is observed that urban pollution has reached critical levels.
Discussing a news article
Pela reportagem, constata-se que o governo pretende mudar a lei.
From the report, it is noted that the government intends to change the law.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase `Constata-se que` reflects the high value placed on formal rhetoric and legalistic precision in Portuguese-speaking cultures. Rooted in Latin bureaucratic traditions, this 'impersonal se' structure allows speakers to sound objective and authoritative, a trait highly respected in Iberian and Latin American academic and professional circles. It essentially serves as a linguistic mask, removing the individual's ego to let the 'truth' of the institution or the evidence stand alone.
The Power of Impersonality
Using this phrase in a job interview when discussing a failure can save you! Instead of 'I messed up,' say 'Constata-se que a abordagem inicial não foi eficaz.' It makes you sound analytical rather than guilty.
Don't Be a Robot
Avoid using this in romantic letters or deep emotional conversations. Saying 'Constata-se que eu te amo' makes you sound like you've calculated your feelings in an Excel spreadsheet.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to state objective facts based on evidence.
- Very formal; best for academic, legal, or professional writing.
- Uses the impersonal 'se' to sound authoritative and detached.
- Equivalent to 'It is observed that' or 'It is noted that'.
What It Means
Ever had one of those moments where you wanted to say 'Look, it’s obvious' but you were in a room full of serious people in suits? That is where constata-se que shines. It’s a formal, impersonal expression used to introduce a fact or a situation that has been clearly observed or verified. In the world of Portuguese, using the 'se' particle here makes the statement 'agentless.' This means you aren't the one saying it; the world, the data, or the situation is saying it. It carries a vibe of authority and intellectual rigor. It’s not just an opinion; it’s a reality that has been checked and confirmed. Think of it as the linguistic version of a mic drop backed by a 50-page PDF report.
How To Use It
Grammatically, this phrase is quite sturdy. You start your sentence with Constata-se que and follow it immediately with a full clause (subject + verb). Because it uses the impersonal passive voice, you don't need to conjugate it for 'I' or 'you.' It stays in the third person singular. You’ll mostly find this at the beginning of a sentence to set the stage for a conclusion. For example, if you’re looking at your bank account after a Steam sale, you might say Constata-se que gastei demais. It’s a bit dramatic for personal use, but it works! Just remember that que is the bridge that connects your observation to the details. Without it, the sentence falls apart like a cheap umbrella in a Lisbon storm.
Formality & Register
This phrase lives in the 'Very Formal' neighborhood. It wears a tuxedo to breakfast. You will find it in academic papers, legal documents, news broadcasts, and high-level business presentations. If you use this while texting a friend about which pizza to order, they might think you’ve been replaced by a sophisticated AI or that you’re practicing for a law degree. It is the opposite of 'slang.' However, in a professional Zoom meeting or when writing a formal email to a professor, it is your best friend. It shows you have a high level of language proficiency and that you know how to navigate the nuances of formal Portuguese. It’s the difference between saying 'I saw a problem' and 'A problem has been noted.'
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are reading a news article about the environment. The journalist might write: Constata-se que as temperaturas globais continuam a subir. This sounds much more official than just saying the weather is hot. In a corporate setting, a manager might send a Slack message (a very serious one) saying: Após a análise, constata-se que a meta não foi atingida. Ouch. That impersonal tone actually makes the bad news feel a bit more objective and less like a personal attack. You might also see it on LinkedIn posts where people are trying to sound like 'thought leaders' while discussing industry trends. It’s the verbal equivalent of wearing blue light glasses to look smarter during a presentation.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound like an expert. It is perfect for the 'Conclusion' section of any report or essay. If you are debating someone and you have a solid piece of evidence, throwing a constata-se que into the mix can make your argument feel much heavier. It’s also great for giving feedback that needs to stay professional. If a project is failing, saying constata-se que o plano original era falho keeps the focus on the plan, not the person who made it. It’s a safety net for your professional relationships. Use it when the facts are doing the heavy lifting and you just need to be the messenger.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in the middle of a heated argument with your partner about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Constata-se que a louça está suja is a great way to start a different kind of argument. Also, keep it away from casual social media captions. An Instagram photo of your avocado toast doesn't need a constata-se que o brunch foi excelente. It sounds robotic and stiff in those contexts. Avoid it in WhatsApp groups with close friends unless you are being intentionally sarcastic. It’s like using a chainsaw to cut a piece of cake—technically possible, but definitely the wrong tool for the job.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is forgetting the se. Some learners say ✗ Constata que... which sounds like they are ordering someone to observe something, rather than stating that it is observed. Another mistake is using it for things that are clearly just opinions. You can’t really say ✗ Constata-se que o filme foi chato because 'boring' is subjective. It should be used for things that can be verified. Also, watch out for the 'que.' People sometimes get confused and try to follow it with a noun directly, but it needs a full action or state to follow. ✗ Constata-se a chuva → ✓ Constata-se que está chovendo.
Common Variations
If constata-se que feels a bit too heavy, you have options! Nota-se que (It is noted that) is slightly softer but still formal. Verifica-se que (It is verified that) is very common in scientific or technical contexts. If you want to be a bit more direct, you can use Fica claro que (It is clear that). In Portugal, you might hear Observa-se que quite often in academic lectures. For those times you want to sound smart but not 'Supreme Court Justice' smart, Percebe-se que is a great middle ground—it implies a bit more intuition than cold, hard verification. It’s like the difference between a lab report and a thoughtful observation.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: O relatório trimestral já está pronto? (Is the quarterly report ready?)
Speaker B: Sim, e os resultados são interessantes. Constata-se que as vendas online dobraram. (Yes, and the results are interesting. It is noted that online sales have doubled.)
Speaker A: Isso é ótimo! Mas nota-se que os custos de envio também subiram. (That's great! But it's noted that shipping costs also rose.)
Speaker B: Exato. Constata-se que precisamos de uma nova estratégia logística. (Exactly. It is observed that we need a new logistics strategy.)
As you can see, even in a professional chat, it adds a layer of 'we are looking at the facts together' that keeps the conversation productive and objective.
Quick FAQ
Is it the same as 'I see that'? Not exactly. 'I see that' is personal. Constata-se que is impersonal. It's the difference between your eyes and a camera lens. Can I use it in Brazil and Portugal? Absolutely! It is standard in both, though the formal contexts where it appears are identical. Is it too formal for an interview? Not at all! In fact, using it during a job interview to describe a past success can make you sound incredibly competent and analytical. Just don't overdo it—one or two well-placed formal phrases go a long way in making a great impression.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is strictly formal and uses the impersonal 'se' to remove the speaker's persona. It is highly effective for professional writing and high-level presentations, but it will sound extremely robotic and out of place in casual text messages or relaxed social settings.
The Power of Impersonality
Using this phrase in a job interview when discussing a failure can save you! Instead of 'I messed up,' say 'Constata-se que a abordagem inicial não foi eficaz.' It makes you sound analytical rather than guilty.
Don't Be a Robot
Avoid using this in romantic letters or deep emotional conversations. Saying 'Constata-se que eu te amo' makes you sound like you've calculated your feelings in an Excel spreadsheet.
Authority is Key
Portuguese speakers value 'academic weight.' Using phrases like this signals that you are an educated person who respects the formal structure of the language.
The 'Que' Bridge
Always remember the 'que.' Without it, the phrase is incomplete. It's the glue that holds your observation to your evidence.
Beispiele
11Constata-se que o investimento rendeu frutos positivos no primeiro semestre.
It is noted that the investment yielded positive results in the first half of the year.
Here it introduces a verified financial fact.
Constata-se que a poluição urbana atingiu níveis críticos.
It is observed that urban pollution has reached critical levels.
Standard way to introduce research findings.
Pela reportagem, constata-se que o governo pretende mudar a lei.
From the report, it is noted that the government intends to change the law.
Using evidence from a source to make a point.
Constata-se que a adesão ao tratamento melhorou com o novo app.
It is observed that adherence to treatment improved with the new app.
Scientific observation of patient behavior.
Constata-se que não houve consenso entre os diretores.
It is noted that there was no consensus among the directors.
Reporting a lack of agreement objectively.
✗ Constata-se que estou com muita fome agora. → ✓ Acho que estou com muita fome agora.
It is verified that I am very hungry now. → I think I'm very hungry now.
Using such a formal phrase for personal feelings sounds very weird and robotic.
Infelizmente, constata-se que você não estudou para a prova.
Unfortunately, it is observed that you did not study for the test.
Using formality to deliver a harsh but objective truth.
✗ Constata que o mercado subiu. → ✓ Constata-se que o mercado subiu.
Verify that the market rose. → It is noted that the market rose.
Forgetting the 'se' changes the meaning from a statement of fact to a command.
Constata-se que o café da firma é o único motivo para eu acordar cedo.
It is noted that the company coffee is the only reason I wake up early.
Using high formality for something silly adds a nice touch of irony.
Constata-se que as praias de Portugal são as mais belas.
It is noted that Portugal's beaches are the most beautiful.
While true, it sounds like a government report rather than a travel post.
Ao olhar para trás, constata-se que cada erro foi um aprendizado.
Looking back, it is noted that every mistake was a learning experience.
A poetic use of formality to provide distance and perspective.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank to complete the formal observation.
`Constata-se` is the correct impersonal form used to state an objective observation.
Choose the sentence that sounds most appropriate for a business report.
Which sentence is correctly formal?
This sentence uses the formal impersonal passive, which is standard for business reporting.
Find and fix the grammatical error in the formal statement.
In formal Portuguese, the 'se' is required to form the impersonal passive voice indicating that something is observed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum for Observations
Used with friends
Eu vi que...
General conversation
Dá para ver que...
Work emails/Meetings
Nota-se que...
Legal/Academic
Constata-se que...
Where will you see 'Constata-se que'?
Scientific Paper
Reporting lab results
Courtroom
Presenting evidence
News Anchor
Breaking down stats
Zoom Meeting
Analyzing Q4 growth
Thesis Defense
Concluding research
Choosing the Right 'Note'
Context Categories
Evidence-Based
- • Data analysis
- • Audit reports
- • Survey results
Legal/Official
- • Police reports
- • Judicial rulings
- • Laws
Journalistic
- • Editorial columns
- • Economic news
- • Political analysis
Aufgabensammlung
3 Aufgaben___ que os preços aumentaram este mês.
`Constata-se` is the correct impersonal form used to state an objective observation.
Which sentence is correctly formal?
This sentence uses the formal impersonal passive, which is standard for business reporting.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler:
Constata que a inflação está baixando.
In formal Portuguese, the 'se' is required to form the impersonal passive voice indicating that something is observed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Video-Tutorials
Finde Video-Tutorials zu dieser Redewendung auf YouTube.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
20 FragenNo, it almost always starts the sentence or a major clause. It serves as an introductory phrase that prepares the listener for the factual observation that follows immediately after the word 'que.' Putting it at the end would be grammatically incorrect and very confusing for a native speaker.
They are very close, but Constata-se implies a stronger level of verification or proof. Nota-se is more about something being visible or apparent to the eye, whereas Constata-se feels like someone checked the records or performed a test to be sure.
The '-se' is an impersonal particle. It's used here to create a passive, impersonal voice so that the statement doesn't have a specific person doing the 'observing.' This makes the statement sound much more objective and professional because it removes the 'I' or 'We' from the equation.
Yes, it is very common in Brazil, particularly in formal writing, news, and professional environments. While Brazilians are known for being informal in speech, their formal writing standards remain quite rigorous and utilize these structures frequently to maintain professionalism.
You can, but it sounds very ironic or sarcastic. For example, if you say 'Constata-se que estou cansado,' you are treating your own fatigue like a scientific fact. It's funny in a joke, but in a real emotional conversation, it will make you sound detached and cold.
Yes! You can say 'Constatou-se que' (It was noted that). This is very common when writing a post-mortem report for a project or describing historical events where a certain truth was finally realized or proven after the fact.
No, 'que' must be followed by a full clause, meaning you need a subject and a verb. If you want to follow it with just a noun, you would have to change the structure entirely, but it is much more natural to say 'Constata-se que a situação mudou' (It is noted that the situation changed).
Yes, it is significantly more formal. 'É verdade que' (It is true that) is a general statement. Constata-se que specifically implies that someone has looked at the situation and verified it, giving it a more 'scientific' or 'official' flavor.
If you are writing a status update or a formal report, yes! It shows a great deal of respect and professionalism. However, if you're just asking if they want to grab lunch, stick to something much simpler like 'Vamos almoçar?' to avoid sounding like a legal document.
It's closer to 'It is established that' or 'It is observed that.' 'It turns out that' is often translated as 'Acontece que' or 'Resulta que,' which focus more on the surprise or the end result, while Constata-se que focuses on the act of verification.
Technically, the verb 'constatar' can be plural, but in this specific impersonal expression Constata-se que, it always stays in the singular. This is because it refers to the general act of observing the situation described in the following clause, which is singular in nature.
Not at all! While it is formal, it is still the standard in modern journalism, law, and academia. You will see it in the most recent articles on sites like G1 or Público. It's not 'old,' it's just 'high-level' and stays relevant in professional circles.
If you say 'Constata que...', you are essentially giving a command to someone else, telling them to 'Verify that...'. It changes the sentence from a statement of fact to an instruction, which might confuse people if you're trying to report information.
In Brazil, it sounds like 'chee' or 'see' (very light). In Portugal, it is a very short, almost silent 'sh' sound that attaches to the end of the word. Practice saying 'consh-ta-ta-sh' (PT) or 'con-sta-ta-si' (BR) to get the rhythm right.
It is usually introduced at B2 because it requires an understanding of impersonal structures and formal register. However, if you are a B1 student who needs to write formal emails for work, learning this phrase early is a great way to 'level up' your writing quickly.
The phrase remains standard across all Portuguese-speaking regions. While accents vary, the grammatical structure and the level of formality associated with Constata-se que are consistent from Lisbon to Luanda to Rio de Janeiro.
While it usually starts a sentence, it can also appear after a comma or a conjunction. For instance: 'Analisamos os dados e, portanto, constata-se que...' (We analyzed the data and, therefore, it is noted that...). The key is that it always introduces the observation.
Yes, but keep it brief! PowerPoints usually favor bullet points. You might use it as a title for a slide that shows key findings, like 'Constata-se: Crescimento de 20%'. It adds a nice, definitive touch to your presentation headings.
Definitely. You can say 'Constata-se que o problema não foi resolvido' (It is noted that the problem was not solved). It’s actually very useful for reporting negative news in a way that sounds objective and less like you are personally blaming someone.
Try reading news articles in Portuguese and look for how journalists introduce facts. You will likely see Constata-se que or its cousins quite often. Try rewriting a simple sentence like 'I think the park is full' into 'Constata-se que o parque está lotado' to see the difference.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Nota-se que
synonymIt is noted that / It is noticeable that
It is a slightly more common and slightly less rigid version of the same formal observation.
Verifica-se que
formal versionIt is verified that
This is often used in scientific or technical reports where a specific check has been performed.
Percebe-se que
related topicOne perceives that / It is perceived that
It suggests a more intuitive or sensory observation rather than a purely factual verification.
Dá para ver que
informal versionYou can see that
This is the casual, everyday way to say the same thing when talking to friends.
Fica evidente que
synonymIt becomes evident that
Use this when the observation is so strong that it doesn't even need much verification anymore.
Observa-se que
synonymIt is observed that
Very common in academic writing to describe phenomena or trends discovered during research.