Concernente à abordagem

You will mostly find this phrase at the start of a sentence or a paragraph in a formal document. It acts as a 'linker.' It connects a previous thought to a new, specific focus on strategy. For example, if you’re writing an email about a new marketing plan, you might say, Concernente à abordagem digital, sugiro investirmos mais no Instagram. You are essentially saying, 'Hey, regarding the digital strategy part of this, here is my idea.' Because it uses the preposition a, it requires a 'crase' (the back-ticked accent à) when followed by the feminine noun abordagem. It’s like a secret handshake for people who know Portuguese grammar well. Using it correctly instantly boosts your credibility in a corporate or academic setting.

This phrase lives in the 'Very Formal' neighborhood. You will rarely, if ever, hear this in a casual chat at a bar. If you said this to a friend while deciding which movie to watch, they’d probably ask if you’ve been reading too many law books. It belongs in professional emails, LinkedIn articles, academic thesis papers, and high-level business presentations. It’s the kind of language used by CEOs, professors, and lawyers. It’s polished, stiff, and very respectful. It’s perfect for when you need to sound objective and detached, rather than emotional or personal. It creates a professional distance that is often necessary in 'grown-up' environments.

Imagine you are on a Zoom call with a client from Lisbon or São Paulo. The conversation is getting a bit messy. You jump in and say, Concernente à abordagem do nosso suporte técnico, precisamos de ajustes. Boom. Suddenly, everyone stops talking over each other and focuses on the technical support strategy. Or, picture a university student writing a paper on sociology. They might write, Concernente à abordagem qualitativa desta pesquisa... to explain their methods. You’ll also see it in the 'Terms and Conditions' of apps that we all click 'Accept' on without reading. It’s the language of the 'fine print.' It’s also great for formal feedback. Instead of saying 'I don't like how you do this,' you say, Tenho observações concernente à abordagem utilizada. It sounds much more like a professional critique and less like a personal attack.

Use it when you want to sound like an expert. If you are writing a cover letter for a job in a big bank or a law firm, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you have a high level of literacy. Use it in meetings when you need to pivot the topic back to the plan. It’s also great for responding to formal complaints. It shows the other person that you are taking their concerns seriously and looking at the situation analytically. If you’re posting a professional update on LinkedIn about a 'pivot' in your career or a new project methodology, this phrase fits perfectly. It’s the 'professional influencer' vibe.

Do not use this with your family unless you want to be the butt of a joke. If your partner asks, 'How are we going to clean the house?' do not reply with, Concernente à abordagem da limpeza... unless you’re trying to be funny. Avoid it in WhatsApp groups with friends or in the comments of a casual TikTok video. It will make you look like a robot. Also, avoid it in high-stress, fast-paced situations like calling an Uber or ordering food. 'Regarding the approach of my delivery' sounds a bit much when you’re just hungry. Keep it in your 'office' vocabulary drawer and only take it out when you’re wearing your 'serious face.'

The most frequent error is forgetting the 'crase.' People often write Concernente a abordagem instead of Concernente à abordagem. Remember: concernente requires the preposition a, and abordagem is a feminine word. A + A = À. It’s simple math that people miss all the time! Another mistake is using it as a synonym for 'about' in every situation. If you’re talking about a person, don’t use it. It’s specifically for 'approaches,' 'methods,' or 'strategies.' Also, don't try to use it with plural nouns without changing the 'crase' to às. It’s a grammar trap for the unwary! ✗ Concernente a abordagem → ✓ Concernente à abordagem.

If concernente à abordagem feels a bit too heavy, you can try Relativamente à abordagem. It’s still formal but slightly more common in Portugal. In Brazil, you might hear No que diz respeito à abordagem, which is even longer and more formal (Brazilians sometimes love long phrases!). If you want to be a bit more neutral, you can use Quanto à abordagem. This is the 'business casual' version—not as stiff as a suit, but definitely not pajamas. You could also use No tocante à abordagem, which sounds very 'old school' and sophisticated, like something a 19th-century poet might write in a letter. Just don't use 'Sobre a abordagem' if you're trying to impress; that's the basic version.

Is this used in everyday conversation? Hardly ever. It’s almost exclusively for writing or formal speeches. Can I use it in Brazil and Portugal? Yes! It’s universally understood as a formal standard in the Lusophone world. Is it too formal for an email to a colleague? If it’s a close colleague you have lunch with, yes. If it’s a colleague in another department you’ve never met, it’s just right. Does it always need the à? Yes, as long as it’s followed by abordagem or another feminine singular noun. If the noun is masculine, like método, it becomes concernente ao método. Grammar is fun, right?