In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the issue' or 'concerning the matter.'
- Essential for professional emails, legal documents, and academic writing.
- Always requires the grave accent 'à' before the word 'questão'.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'about' a specific topic. It is used to focus attention on a particular issue or matter in a professional or serious way.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
Concernente à questão do orçamento, precisamos cortar gastos.
Regarding the budget issue, we need to cut costs.
In a formal email to a professor
Tenho uma dúvida concernente à questão número cinco do exame.
I have a doubt regarding question number five of the exam.
Texting a friend sarcastically
Concernente à questão da sua demora, eu já comi a pizza toda.
Regarding the issue of your lateness, I already ate the whole pizza.
Cultural Background
This expression reflects the 'formalism' often found in Lusophone legal and academic traditions. In both Brazil and Portugal, using precise, Latin-derived connectors like this is a way to signal social status and professional competence. It is especially common in 'Juridiquês' (legal jargon).
The 'Crase' Secret
Always remember the accent in `à questão`. If you forget it, it looks like a typo to native speakers. It's the hallmark of someone who knows their grammar!
The Sarcasm Shield
If you use this with close friends, they might think you're being bossy or overly dramatic. Only use it casually if you're clearly making a joke about being 'official'.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the issue' or 'concerning the matter.'
- Essential for professional emails, legal documents, and academic writing.
- Always requires the grave accent 'à' before the word 'questão'.
What It Means
Imagine you are sitting in a high-stakes board meeting. Everyone is talking at once. You need to focus the room on one specific problem. You clear your throat and say this phrase. It acts like a spotlight. It tells everyone exactly which topic is now on the table. It is much more precise than a simple sobre (about). It carries a weight of authority and clarity. It signals that you are about to address the core of the matter.
How To Use It
This phrase usually sits at the very beginning of a thought. It sets the stage for what follows. You must be careful with the grammar here. The word concernente always needs the preposition a. Since questão is a feminine noun, they merge. This creates the à with a grave accent. If you are talking about a masculine subject like assunto, you use ao. It is like building a bridge between your intro and your main point. It is a verbal suit and tie for your sentences.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for professional emails. If you are writing to a professor, use it. It works beautifully in legal contracts or official reports. Use it when you want to sound like an expert. It shows you have a high command of the language. In a job interview, it can make a great impression. It signals that you are serious and organized. It is perfect for when the stakes are high.
When NOT To Use It
Please do not use this at a noisy bar. Your friends will think you are acting like a lawyer. It is far too stiff for a casual text to your mom. If you use it while ordering a burger, the waiter might laugh. It feels out of place in relaxed, emotional conversations. Keep it in your office vocabulary drawer. Using it in the wrong place can make you seem cold or distant. It is definitely not for small talk.
Cultural Background
Portuguese and Brazilian cultures have a deep respect for formal rhetoric. Historically, being able to speak properly was a sign of high education. This phrase comes from that tradition of academic and legal precision. Even today, people use it to establish a professional distance. It is not just about the words. It is about the persona you project. It says you are a person of business and intellect. It commands a certain level of respect in the room.
Common Variations
If this feels too heavy, try em relação a. It is slightly softer but still professional. If you want to be even more formal, try no que tange a. This one is very common in Brazilian legal circles. For a more direct approach, quanto a works well too. In very casual settings, just stick to sobre. It is the jeans and t-shirt version of this phrase. Each variation helps you dial the formality up or down.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it in writing or formal presentations to sound authoritative, but avoid it in casual social settings to prevent sounding stiff.
The 'Crase' Secret
Always remember the accent in `à questão`. If you forget it, it looks like a typo to native speakers. It's the hallmark of someone who knows their grammar!
The Sarcasm Shield
If you use this with close friends, they might think you're being bossy or overly dramatic. Only use it casually if you're clearly making a joke about being 'official'.
The Plural Trick
If you are talking about multiple issues, the phrase becomes `concernente às questões`. The word `concernente` usually stays singular unless it's modifying a noun directly like an adjective.
Examples
6Concernente à questão do orçamento, precisamos cortar gastos.
Regarding the budget issue, we need to cut costs.
Used here to pivot the conversation to a serious financial topic.
Tenho uma dúvida concernente à questão número cinco do exame.
I have a doubt regarding question number five of the exam.
Shows respect and academic precision.
Concernente à questão da sua demora, eu já comi a pizza toda.
Regarding the issue of your lateness, I already ate the whole pizza.
Using formal language for a trivial matter creates a humorous effect.
Não há provas concernentes à questão da autoria do crime.
There is no evidence regarding the question of the crime's authorship.
Standard legal phrasing for discussing evidence.
Concernente à questão da nossa confiança, precisamos conversar seriamente.
Regarding the issue of our trust, we need to talk seriously.
Adds a layer of gravity and distance to a difficult conversation.
Concernente à questão do hotel, já fiz a reserva para todos.
Regarding the hotel issue, I've already made the reservation for everyone.
A bit stiff for a text, but very clear for organizing plans.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct contraction to complete the formal sentence.
Concernente ___ assunto discutido ontem, enviarei o relatório.
Since 'assunto' is a masculine noun, the preposition 'a' combines with the article 'o' to form 'ao'.
Complete the phrase using the correct form for 'the issue' (feminine).
Não recebi informações ___ questão ambiental.
The phrase requires 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article), resulting in 'à'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'About'
Talking to friends
Sobre
Standard daily use
Em relação a
Business/Legal
Concernente a
High Court/Academic
No que tange a
Where to use 'Concernente à questão'
Business Meeting
Discussing strategy
Legal Document
Writing a contract
Academic Essay
Analyzing a theory
Serious Email
Contacting a landlord
Practice Bank
2 exercisesConcernente ___ assunto discutido ontem, enviarei o relatório.
Since 'assunto' is a masculine noun, the preposition 'a' combines with the article 'o' to form 'ao'.
Não recebi informações ___ questão ambiental.
The phrase requires 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article), resulting in 'à'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means 'regarding the issue' or 'concerning the matter.' It is a formal way to introduce a specific topic you are about to discuss.
No, it is quite rare in casual conversation. You will mostly hear it in offices, news reports, or read it in formal documents.
The word concernente requires the preposition a, and questão is a feminine noun that takes the article a. When they meet, they form à (crase).
Yes, but you must change the article. For example, concernente ao problema (regarding the problem).
Yes, sobre is the most common and natural way to say 'about' in 90% of situations. Use concernente only when you want to be extra formal.
Yes, both use it in formal contexts. However, it might feel slightly more 'bureaucratic' in a Brazilian context.
Usually, no. It is almost always used to introduce a topic at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, like Decidimos algo concernente à questão.
Yes, if you are referring to multiple issues, use concernente às questões. Note that concernente itself typically remains singular in this construction.
Not exactly old-fashioned, but definitely 'high-register.' It sounds like someone who reads a lot of law books or academic papers.
The most common mistake is forgetting the preposition a or the accent à. Saying concernente a questão (without the accent) is a frequent grammatical error.
Only if the text is very serious or if you are joking about being professional. Otherwise, it will look out of place.
It is pronounced con-ser-NEN-te ah kes-TÃO. The 'ão' is a nasal sound, like the end of 'canyon' but through your nose.
Related Phrases
Em relação a
In relation to / regarding
No que diz respeito a
Regarding / In what respects to
Quanto a
As for / regarding
No que tange a
Regarding / Touching upon (very formal)
