C1 Formal Register 14 min read Medium

Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio)

Mastering formal acknowledgments ensures your professional Portuguese communication is respectful, clear, and perfectly adapted to C1-level expectations.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Vimos por este meio' to professionally introduce the purpose of a formal letter or email in Portuguese.

  • Always use the first-person plural 'vimos' even if writing as an individual.
  • Follow the phrase with an infinitive verb to state your action (e.g., 'vimos por este meio informar').
  • Ensure the register remains consistent throughout the document by avoiding contractions like 'tá' or 'pra'.
Vimos + por este meio + [Infinitive Verb] + [Object]

Overview

Formal acknowledgment phrases in Portuguese serve as crucial linguistic tools in professional, academic, and administrative contexts. They are not merely polite expressions but functional components conveying precision, respect, and often, legal intent. At the C1 level, understanding these phrases moves beyond simple vocabulary acquisition to grasping their underlying purpose: establishing clarity, documenting actions, and maintaining an appropriate register that reflects seriousness and professionalism.

They signal adherence to established protocols, whether confirming receipt, acknowledging communication, or initiating a formal request. These expressions are deeply embedded in Portuguese-speaking business and bureaucracy, acting as indispensable markers of competence and reliability.

Their existence stems from a historical need for unambiguous communication in written correspondence, particularly in legal and commercial dealings. While obrigado suffices for casual gratitude, a phrase like vimos por este meio or acusamos a receção formalizes an interaction, creating a record of action and intention. This formality acts as a linguistic filter, ensuring messages are interpreted with the gravity they demand.

Mastering these patterns allows you to navigate complex professional landscapes with confidence, preventing misunderstandings and fostering trust in environments where precision is paramount.

How This Grammar Works

The grammar of formal acknowledgment phrases operates on principles of impersonality, standardized construction, and specific lexical choices designed to elevate the register. The core often involves a first-person plural verb, even when a single individual communicates. This "plural de modéstia" or "plural de autoridade" (nós form, e.g., vimos, agradecemos, confirmamos) projects a collective, institutional voice rather than a personal one.
This imbues the message with greater weight and formality, suggesting communication from an entity or a representative capacity.
Many of these phrases are fixed expressions, often referred to as fórmulas de cortesia or cláusulas de estilo. They function almost like grammatical templates, where the choice of a specific verb and accompanying prepositions or adverbs dictates the precise nuance of acknowledgment. Consider vimos por este meio (we come by this means) or vimos por meio desta (we come by means of this [letter/document]).
The verb vir (to come) is used metaphorically, indicating the purpose of the communication itself. It translates idiomatically as "we hereby inform/confirm/request."
These introductory phrases are typically followed by a verb in the infinitive, which specifies the action being undertaken. For instance, Vimos informar que... (We hereby inform you that...), Agradecemos confirmar a receção... (We kindly ask you to confirm receipt...). This structure ensures conciseness and maintains the formal tone.
Another common construction employs the verb directly followed by a noun, such as Acusamos a receção (We acknowledge receipt) or Confirmamos o seu pedido (We confirm your request). The grammatical function of these phrases is primarily communicative, serving to initiate, acknowledge, or conclude formal written exchanges with precision and appropriate deference.
Regional distinctions are significant. In European Portuguese, receção (without the 'p') is standard, per the 1990 Orthographic Agreement. In Brazilian Portuguese, recepção (with the 'p') or recebimento are more common for the act of receiving.
Similarly, por este meio is prevalent in Portugal, while por meio desta is often preferred in Brazil, though both are mutually understood and accepted.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming these acknowledgment phrases often follows clear, predictable patterns, enabling precise communication. You can generally identify a core structure involving an introductory verb (often in the first-person plural), followed by an action, and then the specific object or purpose. Understanding these patterns is key to constructing grammatically correct and appropriately formal statements.
2
Pattern 1: Introductory Verb + Infinitive Verb
3
This is a highly common and versatile structure, where the initial verb sets the tone, and the infinitive specifies the action.
4
| Introductory Verb (1st Person Plural) | Preposition (Optional) | Infinitive Verb | Example |
5
| :----------------------------------- | :--------------------- | :------------------ | :-------------------------------------------- |
6
| Vimos (vir) | para | informar | Vimos para informar que... |
7
| Vimos (vir) | por este meio | comunicar | Vimos por este meio comunicar... |
8
| Agradecemos (agradecer) | (none) | confirmar | Agradecemos confirmar os dados. |
9
| Solicitamos (solicitar) | (none) | enviar | Solicitamos enviar os documentos. |
10
Example: Vimos por este meio informar V. Exa. da nossa decisão. (We hereby inform Your Excellency of our decision.)
11
Example: Agradecemos confirmar a sua disponibilidade. (We thank you for confirming your availability.)
12
Pattern 2: Introductory Verb + Noun Phrase
13
This pattern is used for direct acknowledgment of receipt or specific items.
14
| Introductory Verb (1st Person Plural) | Noun Phrase (object) | Example |
15
| :----------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------ |
16
| Acusamos (acusar) | a receção do seu e-mail (EP) | Acusamos a receção do seu e-mail. |
17
| Acusamos (acusar) | o recebimento da encomenda (BP) | Acusamos o recebimento da encomenda. |
18
| Confirmamos (confirmar) | a sua reserva | Confirmamos a sua reserva para o dia 15. |
19
| Registamos (registar) | o seu pedido | Registamos o seu pedido com o número PT789. |
20
Example: Acusamos a receção da documentação solicitada. (We acknowledge receipt of the requested documentation.)
21
Example: Confirmamos o agendamento da reunião para amanhã. (We confirm the scheduling of the meeting for tomorrow.)
22
Pattern 3: Emphatic/Legal Introductions
23
For heightened formality, often in legal or highly official documents, specific adverbial phrases precede the main statement.
24
Pelo presente, ... (By the present [document/communication], ...)
25
Example: Pelo presente, confirmamos a validade do contrato. (By the present, we confirm the validity of the contract.)
26
Por intermédio desta, ... (By means of this [communication], ...)
27
Example: Por intermédio desta, informamos sobre as alterações. (By means of this, we inform about the changes.)
28
Mediante o presente, ... (Through the present, ...)
29
Example: Mediante o presente, solicitamos a sua atenção. (Through the present, we request your attention.)
30
Remember to match gender and number for any adjectives modifying nouns (e.g., documentação recebida vs. documento recebido). The consistent use of the first-person plural (nós form) is a cornerstone of this formal register, even when you are the sole author.

When To Use It

Formal acknowledgment phrases are essential in any scenario demanding professionalism, clarity, and often, legal or official documentation. Their use signifies respect for the recipient and the gravity of the communication. They are not merely stylistic choices but functional necessities in specific contexts.
Official Correspondence: These phrases are paramount in emails, letters, and other written communications with government bodies, legal entities, educational institutions, and large corporations. They establish an official tone from the outset.
  • Example: Responding to a legal notice: Acusamos a receção da notificação referente ao processo X. (We acknowledge receipt of the notification regarding process X.)
  • Example: In a university communication: Vimos por este meio comunicar o deferimento da sua candidatura. (We hereby communicate the approval of your application.)
Professional Interactions: In the business world, these expressions are indispensable for clear communication, especially when dealing with clients, partners, or superiors where an explicit record or confirmation is beneficial.
  • Job Applications and Follow-ups: After submitting a resume or receiving an interview invitation.
  • Example: Agradecemos o envio do seu currículo e confirmamos a sua receção. (We thank you for sending your resume and confirm its receipt.)
  • Contractual Agreements: Confirming terms, receiving documents, or informing about changes related to agreements.
  • Formal Enquiries and Responses: Whether making a detailed inquiry or providing a formal response to one.
Academic Settings: When interacting with professors, university administration, or submitting academic work requiring formal submission or acknowledgment.
  • Example: Submitting a thesis: Vimos por este meio submeter a nossa dissertação de mestrado. (We hereby submit our master's dissertation.)
Situations Requiring a Formal Record: Any instance where proof of communication or action might be necessary later.
  • Example: Receiving an invoice: Acusamos a receção da fatura número Y e procederemos ao pagamento. (We acknowledge receipt of invoice number Y and will proceed with payment.)
Initial Formal Contact: When initiating contact with an unknown entity or individual in a professional capacity, starting formally is prudent. This includes platforms like LinkedIn messages, but less so for informal social media. Gauge the formality of the situation and relationship before deploying them; inappropriate use can sound overly rigid.
These phrases are expected in formal contexts and signify professional respect.

Common Mistakes

Navigating the subtleties of formal Portuguese acknowledgment phrases can be challenging. Several common errors can undermine your message or betray a lack of fluency in this register. Awareness of these pitfalls is crucial.
1. Confusing vimos (from vir) with vemos (from ver): This is a frequent grammatical error. Vimos (first-person plural present indicative of vir) is correct for "we come/hereby." Vemos (present indicative of ver, "we see") is grammatically incorrect in this context.
  • Incorrect: Vemos por este meio informar...
  • Correct: Vimos por este meio informar...
2. Inconsistent Regional Spelling (EP vs. BP): The spelling of receção (EP) versus recepção (BP) or using recebimento (BP) causes confusion. While understood, using the non-standard spelling for your audience can appear imprecise.
  • Recommendation: Use receção for Portugal, recepção or recebimento for Brazil. Maintain consistency.
3. Mixing Registers (Formal with Informal): A critical C1-level error. Once formal, maintain it throughout. Introducing informal vocabulary, structures, or pronouns (e.g., tu) makes writing awkward and unprofessional.
  • Incorrect: Vimos acusar a receção do teu e-mail, e obrigado pela informação.
  • Correct: Vimos por este meio acusar a receção do seu e-mail. Agradecemos a informação prestada.
4. Overuse of Passive Voice: While present in formal language, excessive passive voice can sound cumbersome and indirect. Foi recebido o seu e-mail is less direct and proactive than Acusamos a receção do seu e-mail.
5. Incorrect Prepositional Usage: Small prepositions drastically change meaning or formality. Vimos para informar (We came to inform) is less formal than Vimos por este meio informar (We hereby inform), as por este meio specifies the medium.
6. Misunderstanding Acknowledgment vs. Confirmation: Acusar a receção means simply receiving something, not verifying its contents. Confirmar implies active verification. Misusing these can misrepresent your actions or commitments.
  • Example: Acknowledging an application: Acusamos a receção da sua candidatura. (Logistical confirmation.)
  • Example: Confirming application details: Confirmamos os dados fornecidos na sua candidatura. (Implies verification.)
7. Inappropriate Closings: Atenciosamente is the standard formal closing. Using informal closings like Abraço or overly archaic ones can disrupt the tone. Match your closing to the preceding formality.

Real Conversations

Understanding formal Portuguese acknowledgment phrases means recognizing their application in actual communicative scenarios, extending beyond textbook examples. In this context, "conversations" predominantly refers to formal written exchanges – emails, official letters, and formal digital messages – where these structures truly thrive.

1. Professional Email Exchange (Receiving Documents):

S

Subject

Re: Envio de Documentos para Candidatura

Exmos. Senhores,

Vimos por este meio acusar a receção da documentação referente à sua candidatura para a vaga de [Cargo]. Agradecemos a celeridade no envio. Informamos que o processo de avaliação será iniciado de imediato e entraremos em contacto caso sejam necessários mais esclarecimentos.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,

[Nome da Empresa/Departamento]

A

Analysis

Here, Vimos por este meio acusar a receção formally acknowledges document arrival. Agradecemos a celeridade expresses formal thanks, and Informamos que... continues the formal register by stating next steps, demonstrating integrated use.

2. Formal Inquiry Response (Brazilian Portuguese):

S

Subject

Resposta à sua solicitação de informações

Prezados Senhores,

Confirmamos o recebimento de sua solicitação de informações sobre nossos serviços. Estamos analisando os pontos levantados e, por meio desta, comunicamos que um de nossos consultores entrará em contato em até 48 horas para prestar o devido auxílio.

Atenciosamente,

[Nome da Empresa]

A

Analysis

In this BP example, Confirmamos o recebimento acknowledges. Por meio desta, comunicamos is a typical BP variant, signaling the official nature of the information. The tone is professional, promising a timely follow-up.

3. Official Website Contact Form Auto-Reply:

Prezado(a) Cliente,

Agradecemos o seu contacto através do nosso website. Registamos o seu pedido com o número [ID do Pedido] e informamos que a sua mensagem será encaminhada para o departamento competente. Vimos comunicar que a resposta será enviada num prazo máximo de 3 dias úteis.

Com os melhores cumprimentos,

[Nome da Empresa]

A

Analysis

Even in automated responses, formality is maintained. Agradecemos o seu contacto politely acknowledges, Registamos o seu pedido indicates internal processing, and Vimos comunicar que... sets clear expectations for a response time. These phrases reassure the user that their communication is professionally handled.

4. Social Media (Professional Context, e.g., LinkedIn):

Prezado(a) [Nome],

Vimos por este meio manifestar o nosso interesse em [tópico] e explorar uma possível colaboração.

[Seu Nome]

A

Analysis

Vimos por este meio manifestar formally expresses interest or purpose, elevating the message beyond a casual connection request. It clearly states intent and respect for the recipient's professional standing.

These examples demonstrate that formal acknowledgment phrases are not archaic relics but active components of modern professional communication in Portuguese, adapted across various platforms to convey precision and professionalism.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common queries regarding formal acknowledgment phrases in Portuguese, offering concise, authoritative answers.
Q1: What is the primary difference between acusar a receção and confirmar a receção?
A1: Acusar a receção (EP) or acusar o recebimento (BP) means to acknowledge something has been received. It's a logistical confirmation. Confirmar a receção (or confirmar o recebimento) implies active verification or validation of content, not just its arrival.
Q2: Is the vimos in vimos por este meio a past tense verb?
A2: No. In this construction, vimos is the first-person plural present indicative of vir (to come), used as a plural de modéstia or plural de autoridade. It metaphorically means "we hereby [do something]." It is not the past simple vimos (we saw) from ver (to see).
Q3: Can I use eu venho por este meio instead of vimos por este meio if I'm writing alone?
A3: While grammatically possible, eu venho por este meio is significantly less common and sounds less formal and authoritative than vimos por este meio. The first-person plural (vimos) is preferred even by individuals to convey an institutional or formal voice.
Q4: Which is correct: receção or recepção?
A4: Both can be correct regionally. Receção (without 'p') is standard in European Portuguese (1990 Orthographic Agreement). Recepção (with 'p') is common in Brazilian Portuguese, where recebimento is also widely used for "receipt" or "receiving."
Q5: Is Pelo presente considered outdated or too archaic?
A5: Pelo presente is highly formal, often found in legal documents or weighty administrative correspondence. While correct, it can sound overly stiff in regular professional emails unless the context demands the highest formality. Vimos por este meio informar is generally more common for business communications.
Q6: What are standard formal closing remarks in Portuguese?
A6: The most common and universally safe formal closing is Atenciosamente (Sincerely/Respectfully). Other options include Com os melhores cumprimentos (With best regards, slightly more formal), Cordialmente (Cordially, professional but slightly less formal), and in very high-level contexts, Com a mais elevada estima e consideração.
Q7: How does this type of formal language translate to spoken Portuguese in professional settings?
A7: While exact phrases like vimos por este meio are primarily for written communication, the underlying principle of formality translates. In spoken professional settings, use formal você (BP, general politeness) or o senhor/a senhora (EP and more formal BP), and more elaborate, indirect sentence structures. For example, instead of Vimos informar, you might say Gostaríamos de informar (We would like to inform).
The goal is a respectful, indirect tone, avoiding colloquialisms.
Q8: Can I use these phrases when texting or on instant messaging platforms?
A8: Generally, no. These phrases are too formal for instant messaging or texting due to their conciseness and typical informality. An exception might be LinkedIn messages for initial contact with new professional connections, but even then, a full vimos por este meio might be excessive.
Opt for clear, polite language without these fixed formulas on such platforms.

Formation of the phrase

Element Function Example
Vimos
Verb (1st person plural)
Vimos
por este meio
Prepositional phrase
por este meio
[Infinitive]
Action
solicitar
[Object]
Target
a fatura

Meanings

A standard, highly formal introductory phrase used in business or legal correspondence to announce the intent of the message.

1

Formal Notification

Used to inform the recipient of an action or decision.

“Vimos por este meio informar que a reunião foi adiada.”

“Vimos por este meio comunicar a nossa decisão.”

2

Formal Request

Used to initiate a request for documents, services, or information.

“Vimos por este meio solicitar o envio do contrato.”

“Vimos por este meio pedir a vossa colaboração.”

3

Formal Submission

Used when submitting documents or applications.

“Vimos por este meio apresentar a nossa candidatura.”

“Vimos por este meio submeter o relatório final.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Vimos por este meio + Inf.
Vimos por este meio informar.
Negative
Vimos por este meio não + Inf.
Vimos por este meio não autorizar.
Request
Vimos por este meio + Inf. + Obj.
Vimos por este meio solicitar ajuda.
Notification
Vimos por este meio + Inf. + Obj.
Vimos por este meio comunicar a decisão.
Submission
Vimos por este meio + Inf. + Obj.
Vimos por este meio enviar o relatório.
Formal Closing
Vimos por este meio + agradecer
Vimos por este meio agradecer a atenção.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Vimos por este meio solicitar o envio do documento.

Vimos por este meio solicitar o envio do documento. (Email to a company)

Neutral
Gostaria de pedir o documento, por favor.

Gostaria de pedir o documento, por favor. (Email to a company)

Informal
Podes mandar o documento?

Podes mandar o documento? (Email to a company)

Slang
Manda aí o doc.

Manda aí o doc. (Email to a company)

The Anatomy of a Formal Opener

Vimos por este meio

Purpose

  • Informar To inform
  • Solicitar To request

Tone

  • Profissional Professional
  • Institucional Institutional
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Examples by Level

1

Vimos por este meio informar a data.

We come by this means to inform the date.

2

Vimos por este meio pedir ajuda.

We come by this means to ask for help.

3

Vimos por este meio enviar o documento.

We come by this means to send the document.

4

Vimos por este meio marcar a reunião.

We come by this means to schedule the meeting.

1

Vimos por este meio solicitar a segunda via da fatura.

We come by this means to request the duplicate of the invoice.

2

Vimos por este meio comunicar a nossa mudança de morada.

We come by this means to communicate our change of address.

3

Vimos por este meio apresentar os nossos cumprimentos.

We come by this means to present our greetings.

4

Vimos por este meio confirmar a receção do pedido.

We come by this means to confirm the receipt of the order.

1

Vimos por este meio informar que a candidatura foi aceite.

We come by this means to inform that the application was accepted.

2

Vimos por este meio requerer a emissão de um novo cartão.

We come by this means to request the issuance of a new card.

3

Vimos por este meio submeter o relatório solicitado.

We come by this means to submit the requested report.

4

Vimos por este meio agradecer a vossa colaboração.

We come by this means to thank you for your collaboration.

1

Vimos por este meio notificar a rescisão do contrato de prestação de serviços.

We come by this means to notify the termination of the service agreement.

2

Vimos por este meio solicitar a retificação dos dados constantes no sistema.

We come by this means to request the rectification of the data in the system.

3

Vimos por este meio apresentar a nossa proposta de parceria comercial.

We come by this means to present our commercial partnership proposal.

4

Vimos por este meio esclarecer as dúvidas levantadas na reunião anterior.

We come by this means to clarify the doubts raised in the previous meeting.

1

Vimos por este meio interpor recurso da decisão administrativa proferida.

We come by this means to file an appeal against the administrative decision rendered.

2

Vimos por este meio manifestar o nosso interesse na aquisição do imóvel.

We come by this means to express our interest in the acquisition of the property.

3

Vimos por este meio reiterar a importância do cumprimento dos prazos estabelecidos.

We come by this means to reiterate the importance of meeting the established deadlines.

4

Vimos por este meio solicitar a vossa anuência para a alteração dos estatutos.

We come by this means to request your consent for the amendment of the statutes.

1

Vimos por este meio, em nome da administração, ratificar os termos do acordo celebrado.

We come by this means, on behalf of the board, to ratify the terms of the agreement reached.

2

Vimos por este meio, no exercício das nossas funções, solicitar a vossa colaboração.

We come by this means, in the exercise of our duties, to request your collaboration.

3

Vimos por este meio, face ao exposto, requerer a suspensão imediata do processo.

We come by this means, in light of the above, to request the immediate suspension of the process.

4

Vimos por este meio, com a devida vénia, apresentar a nossa discordância quanto ao ponto supracitado.

We come by this means, with due respect, to present our disagreement regarding the aforementioned point.

Easily Confused

Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio) vs Vimos vs. Venho

Learners often use 'venho' because they are writing as one person.

Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio) vs Vimos por este meio vs. Gostaria de

Both are polite, leading to confusion about which is more formal.

Formal Portuguese: Acknowledgment Phrases (vimos por este meio) vs Vimos por este meio vs. Para informar

Learners try to use 'para' because it translates to 'to'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Venho por este meio

✓

Vimos por este meio

Use the plural 'vimos' for formal correspondence.
✗

Vimos por este meio que quero...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Follow with an infinitive, not a subordinate clause.
✗

Vimos por este meio pedir pra...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Avoid informal contractions like 'pra'.
✗

Vimos por este meio a pedir...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Use the infinitive directly.
✗

Vimos por este meio de pedir...

✓

Vimos por este meio pedir...

Do not add an extra preposition.
✗

Vimos por este meio para solicitar...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

The phrase already includes 'por', so no 'para' is needed.
✗

Vimos por este meio a informar...

✓

Vimos por este meio informar...

Direct infinitive usage is required.
✗

Vimos por este meio, eu gostaria de...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Avoid mixing the formal opener with personal pronouns.
✗

Vimos por este meio que a gente quer...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Avoid colloquialisms like 'a gente'.
✗

Vimos por este meio, por favor, pedir...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

The phrase itself is polite; 'por favor' is redundant.
✗

Vimos por este meio, talvez, solicitar...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

The phrase should be assertive and clear.
✗

Vimos por este meio, tipo, solicitar...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Never use filler words in formal register.
✗

Vimos por este meio, basicamente, informar...

✓

Vimos por este meio informar...

Avoid unnecessary adverbs.
✗

Vimos por este meio, enfim, solicitar...

✓

Vimos por este meio solicitar...

Keep the structure clean.

Sentence Patterns

Vimos por este meio ___ a vossa colaboração.

Vimos por este meio ___ que o prazo terminou.

Vimos por este meio ___ a nossa candidatura.

Vimos por este meio, ___, solicitar a vossa atenção.

Real World Usage

Bank email very common

Vimos por este meio solicitar a atualização dos seus dados.

Job application common

Vimos por este meio apresentar a nossa candidatura à vaga.

Legal notice common

Vimos por este meio notificar a rescisão do contrato.

Customer service common

Vimos por este meio informar que o seu pedido foi enviado.

Government office common

Vimos por este meio requerer a emissão do certificado.

Corporate announcement occasional

Vimos por este meio comunicar a mudança de sede.

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🎯

Consistency is Key

If you start with 'Vimos por este meio', ensure the rest of the email is equally formal. Do not switch to casual language halfway through.
⚠️

Avoid Overuse

Do not use this phrase in every single sentence. It is an opening phrase only.
💡

Use for Institutions

This phrase is best used when writing to an organization, not a specific person you know well.
💬

The 'We' Perspective

Even if you are a freelancer, using 'vimos' (we) sounds more professional as it implies you are representing your business entity.

Smart Tips

Start with 'Vimos por este meio' to set the tone immediately.

Quero pedir o documento. → Vimos por este meio solicitar o documento.

Replace your opening with 'Vimos por este meio'.

Olá, queria saber sobre a reunião. → Vimos por este meio solicitar informações sobre a reunião.

Always use 'Vimos por este meio' to show you understand the protocol.

Preciso de um novo cartão. → Vimos por este meio requerer a emissão de um novo cartão.

Use the phrase to state your purpose in the first sentence.

Estou escrevendo para dizer que o contrato mudou. → Vimos por este meio informar a alteração do contrato.

Pronunciation

Vee-moosh poor esh-teh may-oo

Intonation

Maintain a flat, professional intonation. Avoid rising pitch at the end of the phrase.

Declarative

Vimos por este meio ↘

Conveys authority and finality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

V.P.M. — Vimos, Por, Meio. Think of it as 'Very Professional Message'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a sharp suit standing at a podium, holding a formal document with both hands, ready to make an official announcement.

Rhyme

Vimos por este meio, sem qualquer receio, a formalidade é o nosso passeio.

Story

Maria needed to apply for a visa. She didn't want to sound casual, so she started her letter with 'Vimos por este meio'. The official read it and immediately felt the document was serious, leading to a quick approval.

Word Web

Vimosmeiosolicitarinformarcomunicarformalidadecorrespondência

Challenge

Write a 3-sentence email to your bank requesting a new statement using this phrase.

Cultural Notes

Very standard in all formal correspondence. Highly valued for its traditional structure.

Common in legal and banking contexts, though some modern startups prefer more direct language.

Used in official government and corporate communications, maintaining a high level of formality.

Derived from the Latin 'venire' (to come), the construction reflects the historical tradition of formal petitions where the petitioner 'comes' before an authority.

Conversation Starters

“

Como se começa uma carta formal em português?

“

Qual é a diferença entre 'vimos' e 'venho'?

“

Pode dar um exemplo de um pedido formal?

“

Como manter o registo formal num email?

Journal Prompts

Escreva um email para uma empresa pedindo uma fatura.
Escreva uma carta de reclamação sobre um serviço.
Escreva uma proposta de parceria para uma empresa.
Escreva um recurso formal contra uma decisão.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Complete the phrase.

Vimos por este meio ___ a vossa atenção.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: solicitar
The phrase must be followed by an infinitive verb.
Choose the correct subject. Multiple Choice

___ por este meio informar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos
The standard formal form is the first-person plural.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Vimos por este meio para pedir ajuda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio pedir ajuda.
No 'para' is needed after the phrase.
Transform to formal. Sentence Transformation

Quero pedir o documento.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio solicitar o documento.
This is the most formal way to express the request.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Vimos por este meio é usado em emails informais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Falso
It is strictly for formal correspondence.
Complete the email. Dialogue Completion

Caro Diretor, [blank] a nossa candidatura.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio apresentar
The context requires a formal opening.
Order the words. Sentence Building

meio / este / solicitar / Vimos / por

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio solicitar
The standard word order is fixed.
Conjugate the verb. Conjugation Drill

Vimos por este meio (informar) a decisão.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: informar
Infinitive is required after the phrase.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Complete the phrase.

Vimos por este meio ___ a vossa atenção.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: solicitar
The phrase must be followed by an infinitive verb.
Choose the correct subject. Multiple Choice

___ por este meio informar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos
The standard formal form is the first-person plural.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Vimos por este meio para pedir ajuda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio pedir ajuda.
No 'para' is needed after the phrase.
Transform to formal. Sentence Transformation

Quero pedir o documento.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio solicitar o documento.
This is the most formal way to express the request.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Vimos por este meio é usado em emails informais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Falso
It is strictly for formal correspondence.
Complete the email. Dialogue Completion

Caro Diretor, [blank] a nossa candidatura.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio apresentar
The context requires a formal opening.
Order the words. Sentence Building

meio / este / solicitar / Vimos / por

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio solicitar
The standard word order is fixed.
Conjugate the verb. Conjugation Drill

Vimos por este meio (informar) a decisão.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: informar
Infinitive is required after the phrase.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to form a formal acknowledgment. Sentence Reorder

receção / Acusamos / vossa / a / candidatura / da

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Acusamos a receção da vossa candidatura
Translate to formal Portuguese (PT-BR). Translation

We confirm receipt of the attached file.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Confirmamos o recebimento do arquivo anexo.
Match the phrase with its level of formality. Match Pairs

Match the terms:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Match correct
Complete the formal expression of gratitude. Fill in the Blank

Gostaríamos de ___ o nosso reconhecimento.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: manifestar
Which sign-off is best for a formal business email? Multiple Choice

Choose the best ending:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Atenciosamente,
Fix the agreement error. Error Correction

A documentação foi recebido ontem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A documentação foi recebida ontem.
Choose the correct preposition. Fill in the Blank

Acuso a receção ___ sua mensagem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: da
Build a formal request for confirmation. Sentence Reorder

presença / Solicitamos / a / de / vossa / confirmação / sua

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Solicitamos a confirmação da vossa presença
Translate to formal Portuguese: 'I am writing to thank you for the invite.' Translation

I am writing to thank you for the invite.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vimos por este meio agradecer o convite.
Which is correct for a formal notice? Multiple Choice

Pelo presente...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: confirmamos os dados.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

While 'venho' is grammatically correct for an individual, 'vimos' is the standard convention for formal correspondence in Portuguese.

It is formal, but that is the point. It is appropriate for business, legal, and government communication.

No, the phrase itself is already formal and polite. Adding 'por favor' is redundant.

No, it would sound very strange and overly robotic in a text message.

The phrase is standard in both, though some modern Brazilian corporate styles are becoming more direct.

Do not use this phrase. Use a casual greeting like 'Olá' or 'Oi'.

It is a convention of formal writing that represents the entity or the professional 'self' of the writer.

It should be used with verbs that describe the action of the letter, such as 'solicitar', 'informar', or 'comunicar'.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Venimos por este medio

The usage is nearly identical in business contexts.

French high

Nous venons par la présente

French often uses 'par la présente' whereas Portuguese uses 'por este meio'.

German moderate

Wir kommen hiermit

German business style is often more direct.

Japanese low

Kono shokan o motte...

Japanese relies on verb endings and vocabulary choice for formality.

Arabic moderate

Nataqaddam bi-hadha...

Arabic formal style is more poetic and honorific-heavy.

Chinese low

Te ci...

Chinese uses specific characters for formal correspondence that don't translate to a 'we come' structure.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Business Portuguese: Master the Formal Register
Next
Formal Portuguese: Master the 'Conventional Expressions' (Expressões Convencionais)

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