No que diz respeito à demonstração

Using this phrase requires a bit of grammatical gymnastics, but don't worry, it's easier than it looks. The formula is: No que diz respeito + a (the preposition) + your noun. Because demonstração is a feminine word in Portuguese (a demonstração), the two 'a's merge into one with a back-tick: à. This is called 'crase.' You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage. For example: No que diz respeito à demonstração de hoje, os resultados foram excelentes. You can also drop it in the middle of a sentence to pivot. It’s common in written reports, formal emails to clients, or academic papers. Think of it as a verbal transition. Just remember to keep your posture straight when saying it—it’s that kind of phrase! You’re essentially telling your audience, 'Forget everything else for a second; let’s look at this specific proof.'

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being 'hey dude' and 10 being 'Supreme Court Justice,' this phrase is a solid 9. It is very formal. You will almost never hear this at a casual BBQ or while playing FIFA with friends. It belongs in the world of LinkedIn posts, legal briefs, and TED Talks. If you use it in an informal setting, it usually sounds like you're being sarcastic or overly dramatic for comedic effect. For instance, if you’re arguing about who didn't do the dishes and you say, No que diz respeito à demonstração de preguiça..., you’re definitely being a bit of a jokester. In professional settings, however, it shows that you have a high level of language mastery (C1+). It proves you can navigate the nuances of formal Portuguese beyond the basic sobre (about).

Imagine you are a developer presenting a new app feature on Zoom. You might say: No que diz respeito à demonstração técnica, focaremos na API. Or maybe you’re a student defending a history project: No que diz respeito à demonstração das fontes primárias, notei uma discrepância. It’s also very common in news broadcasts. You might hear a reporter say: No que diz respeito à demonstração de força da polícia, houve críticas. In the world of social media, you might see it in a long-form 'think piece' on a Facebook group or a professional blog post. Even in a Netflix documentary about a trial, the lawyers will use this constantly. It’s the 'serious face' of Portuguese transitions. If sobre is a t-shirt, this phrase is a tuxedo.

Use this phrase when you need to be extremely specific and formal. It’s perfect for the 'Discussion' section of a scientific paper. It’s great for a job interview when you want to highlight a specific part of your portfolio: No que diz respeito à demonstração do meu projeto anterior.... Use it when you are writing a formal letter of complaint or a proposal to a government agency. It’s also useful when you are responding to a complex email and you want to address different points one by one. By using this, you make your writing look organized and professional. It tells the reader that you are a serious person who pays attention to detail. It’s also great for sounding smart when you’re explaining a complex board game rule to your very competitive family.

Do NOT use this in a WhatsApp message to your mom asking what's for dinner. Do NOT use it when you're ordering a 'bifana' at a local snack bar. Using it in these contexts makes you sound like a robot or a Victorian time traveler. Also, avoid using it too many times in one paragraph. It’s a 'heavy' phrase, and using it repeatedly makes your text feel clunky and hard to read. It’s like salt—it enhances the dish, but too much makes it inedible. If you’re talking to kids, skip it. They’ll just stare at you blankly while you sound like their school principal. Stick to sobre or quanto a for everyday life. Save the big guns for when the stakes are high.

Learners often trip up on two things: the 'crase' and the word order.

• ✗ No que diz respeito a demonstração → ✓ No que diz respeito à demonstração (You need the accent!).
• ✗ No diz respeito que à demonstração → ✓ No que diz respeito à demonstração (Don't scramble the words!).
• ✗ No que diz respeito da demonstração → ✓ No que diz respeito à demonstração (It’s always 'a', never 'de').

Another mistake is using it for things that aren't actually 'demonstrations.' While you can use No que diz respeito a [any noun], if you specifically use the word demonstração, make sure there's actually a demo or a proof involved! Don't call a simple chat a 'demonstração' unless you're trying to be funny.

Depending on where you are in the Lusophone world, you might hear slight tweaks. In Brazil, people might lean more towards No que tange à demonstração, which is even more formal (yes, it’s possible!). In Portugal, Relativamente à demonstração is a very common and equally formal alternative. You might also hear No que se refere à demonstração. All of these are like different brands of high-end watches—they all do the same thing and cost about the same in terms of 'formality points.' If you want to be slightly less formal but still professional, you can use Quanto à demonstração. It’s like business-casual—no tie, but still looks sharp.

Is it okay for spoken Portuguese? Yes, but only in formal speeches, presentations, or serious meetings. In a bar? No.

Does 'demonstração' only mean a product demo? No, it can mean a mathematical proof, a display of emotion, or a political protest.

Is it the same as 'sobre'? It means the same thing, but 'sobre' is common and simple, while this is elevated and specific.

Why is there a back-tick on the 'à'? Because it's a combination of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a'.

Can I use it with other words? Absolutely! You can say No que diz respeito ao tempo or No que diz respeito à economia. Demonstração is just one (very common) option.