No atinente à princípios

You use this phrase to introduce a specific focus within a broader topic. The structure is usually No atinente a followed by the noun—in this case, princípios. One crucial thing to watch: the grammar. Since princípios is a masculine plural word, you should technically say No atinente aos princípios (to the principles) or just No atinente a princípios (regarding principles in general). Many people make the mistake of using a à (with a backtick accent), but that’s a big no-no because à is feminine. Think of it as a LEGO set. You have the base No atinente a, and you snap on the topic you want to discuss. It usually sits at the beginning of a sentence or a paragraph to set the stage. "No atinente a princípios, a empresa segue a lei." (Regarding principles, the company follows the law). It’s like a signpost in a dense forest of words. It tells the reader exactly where you are heading. Just don't try to use it while ordering a burger; the cashier might think you've time-traveled from 1850.

This phrase is at the very top of the formality scale. We’re talking 10 out of 10. It is "Very Formal." You will almost never hear this in a spoken conversation unless someone is giving a keynote speech or testifying in court. It belongs in written reports, legal briefs, academic theses, and high-level diplomatic cables. In the world of Brazilian "Juridiquês" (legalese), it’s a staple. If you use this in a WhatsApp group with your friends, they will probably ask if you’ve been hacked by a lawyer. It’s the opposite of slang. While slang is meant to be fast and cool, this phrase is meant to be slow, deliberate, and impressive. It’s designed to create distance and show respect. Use it when you want to establish a professional boundary or when you are writing something that needs to be taken with absolute seriousness. If you're writing a LinkedIn post about your "core values," this is your secret weapon to sound like a visionary CEO.

Where do you actually see this? Imagine you're reading a Netflix contract or the terms of service for a new app—it might be lurking there in the fine print. Or picture a politician on TV answering a tough question about ethics. Instead of saying "About our values..." they might say, "No atinente a princípios fundamentais..." to buy time and sound more credible. You’ll also see it in academic feedback. A professor might write in the margin of your paper: "Melhore a argumentação no atinente a princípios éticos." (Improve the argument regarding ethical principles). In the corporate world, it shows up in "Compliance" emails. Those annoying messages about data privacy and workplace conduct love this kind of language. It makes the rules feel more "official." It's also great for travel vlogging if you want to be ironic. "No atinente a princípios de sobrevivência, esqueci de levar água para a trilha." (Regarding principles of survival, I forgot to bring water to the trail). A little self-deprecating humor goes a long way with big words!

Use this when the stakes are high. If you are writing a cover letter for a dream job in a traditional field like Law, Finance, or Government, this phrase adds a layer of sophistication. It shows you have a high level of Portuguese. Use it in a formal email to a client when you need to justify a decision based on company policy. It’s also useful in a debate or a structured discussion about philosophy or politics. It helps you categorize your points. "First, I'll talk about the budget. Second, no atinente a princípios de igualdade..." It works beautifully in the "Conclusion" section of a report. It ties everything back to the core values you discussed earlier. Basically, if you are wearing a tie or a blazer, you can probably use this phrase. If you are in your pajamas, maybe stick to sobre.

Avoid this phrase in any casual setting. Do not use it with friends, family, or your local baker. If you text your partner "No atinente a princípios de organização, você esqueceu a louça," you are asking for an argument. It sounds condescending and weirdly robotic in private life. Also, don't use it if you aren't 100% sure about the topic. Because the phrase is so formal, any mistake you make after it will be magnified. It’s like wearing a tuxedo but forgetting your shoes. Don't use it in social media captions for a beach photo unless you're making a joke. Instagram and TikTok are places for tipo and né, not atinente. Finally, don't use it repeatedly in the same document. It’s a strong spice; a little goes a long way. If you use it three times in one page, you’ll sound like you’re trying too hard to be smart. Use it once to make an impact, then switch to simpler synonyms.

The most common error is the "crase" (the accent on the 'a').

You never use à before a masculine word like princípios. It’s a grammatical trap that even native speakers fall into when they are trying to sound fancy. Another mistake is mixing registers.

✗ "No atinente a princípios, o bagulho tá doido."

You can't follow a 10/10 formal phrase with 1/10 slang. It creates linguistic whiplash. Keep the whole sentence professional. Some people also confuse atinente with atendente (attendant).

✗ "No atendente a princípios..."

That makes no sense unless you have a butler named Principles! Lastly, people often forget the no.

✗ "Atinente à princípios..."

While you can use Atinente a on its own, the expression No atinente a is the standard formal set-piece. Stick to the full version for maximum impact.

If No atinente a feels a bit too heavy, you have options. No que tange a is a very popular alternative in Brazil. It means "In what touches upon..." and is just as formal. Relativamente a is another good one—it’s slightly more common in Portugal. For something a tiny bit less stiff, try No que se refere a (In what refers to). If you want to be clear but still professional, Com relação a is your best friend. It’s the "safe" choice for business emails. Then there’s Quanto a, which is short, sweet, and works in both formal and neutral contexts. Think of No atinente a as the final boss of formal transitions. The others are just the mini-bosses you meet along the way. Use the one that fits the "vibe" of your writing. If you're writing to the President, go with atinente. If you're writing to your manager, com relação a is usually enough.

Is atinente a common word? No, it’s quite rare. You’ll mostly see it in formal writing. Is there a difference between No atinente a and No que tange a? Not really; they are interchangeable synonyms, though tange is slightly more common in legal circles. Can I use this in an English-speaking office? Only if you are translating a formal Portuguese document. In English, you’d just say "Regarding" or "With respect to." Why does it sound so "old"? It’s rooted in Latin and has been preserved in the Portuguese legal system, which loves tradition. Is it okay to use it if I’m not a lawyer? Absolutely! It just makes you sound very well-educated and precise. Just remember the "no crase" rule, and you’ll be the star of the boardroom.