B2 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

Concernente à reflexão

Regarding the reflexão

Literally: Concerning to the reflection

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for linking points to a specific deep thought.
  • Very formal: best for academic or legal contexts.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because reflexão is feminine.
  • Signals that you are discussing a serious, well-considered topic.

Meaning

This phrase is a sophisticated, academic way to say 'regarding the reflection' or 'concerning the meditation.' It connects your current point to a previous period of deep thought or a specific philosophical analysis you've shared. It carries a heavy intellectual weight, signaling that you are about to discuss something serious and well-considered.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

In a formal academic essay

Concernente à reflexão sobre a modernidade, o autor propõe um novo paradigma.

Regarding the reflection on modernity, the author proposes a new paradigm.

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2

In a corporate board meeting

Concernente à reflexão estratégica deste trimestre, as metas serão mantidas.

Regarding the strategic reflection of this quarter, the goals will be maintained.

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3

Sending a LinkedIn message to a mentor

Concernente à reflexão que você compartilhou no seu post, concordo plenamente.

Regarding the reflection you shared in your post, I fully agree.

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🌍

Cultural Background

This phrase stems from the rich tradition of Portuguese scholasticism and legalism. In Lusophone cultures, formal education and 'speaking well' are highly valued social markers. The word `reflexão` became a central pillar of 19th-century Portuguese literature, where characters often spent chapters in deep meditation. Using `concernente à` shows a link to this intellectual heritage, where logic and structured thought are the ultimate tools of persuasion.

🎯

The 'à' is Non-Negotiable

In formal Portuguese writing, omitting the 'crase' (the backtick accent) in `à reflexão` is a major red flag that reveals you're a learner. Always double-check it!

⚠️

Don't Sound Like a Robot

Using this in a casual setting like a party will make you sound like you're reading a manual. Save it for when the stakes are high or the topic is serious.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for linking points to a specific deep thought.
  • Very formal: best for academic or legal contexts.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because reflexão is feminine.
  • Signals that you are discussing a serious, well-considered topic.

What It Means

Ever wanted to sound like you've spent weeks in a library? Concernente à reflexão is your ticket to the intellectual big leagues. It means 'regarding the reflection.' In Portuguese, reflexão isn't just a mirror image. It’s the act of thinking deeply about life, business, or a specific problem. When you use concernente, you’re being very precise. You’re not just talking 'about' something. You’re linking your next statement to a specific thought process. It feels heavy, deliberate, and very professional. It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a blazer over a turtleneck. Use it when you want people to know you’ve actually done the homework. It’s about being intentional with your thoughts.

How To Use It

You’ll mostly see this in writing or formal speeches. Start your sentence with it to set the stage. For example: Concernente à reflexão sobre o mercado... (Regarding the reflection on the market...). Notice the à with the little accent? That’s called a 'crase.' It’s a contraction of the preposition a and the article a. Since concernente requires the preposition a, and reflexão is feminine, they merge. Don't skip it! Without the accent, your sophisticated sentence falls apart. It’s like wearing a tuxedo with flip-flops. You can use it at the start of a paragraph. It also works well in the middle of a report. Just make sure the 'reflection' you’re talking about is already known. You can’t refer to a reflection that hasn't happened yet. That would be like citing a book you haven't written.

Formality & Register

This is 'Very Formal' territory. Do not use this at a barbecue. If you say this to a friend while drinking beer, they’ll think you’ve joined a cult. It belongs in academic papers, legal documents, and high-level corporate emails. Think of it as the 'CEO voice.' It’s several steps above sobre (about) or falando de (speaking of). On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being 'What's up?' and 10 being 'Supreme Court Justice,' this is a solid 9. It shows respect for the subject matter. It also shows you have a high command of Portuguese grammar. Use it to impress a professor or a demanding boss. It’s a power move in a LinkedIn article. Just don't overdo it, or you'll sound like a 19th-century poet.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you’re in a Zoom meeting with stakeholders. You’ve just presented a report on consumer habits. You could say: Concernente à reflexão proposta no relatório, sugiro mudanças. (Regarding the reflection proposed in the report, I suggest changes.) It sounds way better than 'About the ideas in the report...' Or maybe you’re writing a cover letter for a research position. Concernente à reflexão acadêmica atual... (Regarding current academic reflection...) shows you’re tuned into the field. You might even see it in a Netflix documentary subtitle. A philosopher might use it to pivot between complex ideas. It’s great for Instagram captions if you’re trying to be 'deep' or 'aesthetic.' Just make sure the photo isn't just of your lunch. Unless your lunch is very philosophical.

When To Use It

Use it when you need to bridge two serious topics. It’s perfect for the 'Conclusion' section of a thesis. Use it in a professional email after a long period of silence. Concernente à nossa reflexão da semana passada... (Regarding our reflection from last week...) is a classy way to follow up. It’s also useful in debates or formal discussions. If someone asks for your opinion on a complex issue, start with this. It gives you a second to breathe while sounding incredibly smart. It’s excellent for 'Lessons Learned' documents in project management. Use it whenever you want to elevate the conversation. It turns a simple 'thought' into a 'significant reflection.' It’s like adding a fancy garnish to a simple dish.

When NOT To Use It

Seriously, don't use this in a WhatsApp group chat with your cousins. They will roast you for being a 'professor.' Avoid it when ordering food or talking to an Uber driver. Concernente à reflexão sobre o trajeto... (Concerning the reflection on the route...) will just get you a weird look. Don’t use it if you’re actually talking about a physical mirror. While reflexão can mean light reflecting, concernente à reflexão usually implies the mental kind. If you’re a physicist, maybe you can get away with it. Otherwise, keep it for the brain stuff. Also, avoid it if the 'reflection' was just a two-second thought. It implies depth. Don't use it for trivial matters like what color socks to wear. It’s too heavy for small talk.

Common Mistakes

Concernente a reflexão Concernente à reflexão. This is the big one. Always remember the crase! Concernente always wants that a preposition. ✗ Sobre concernente a → ✓ Concernente a. Don't double up on prepositions. It’s redundant and messy. ✗ Concernente à refletir → ✓ Concernente à reflexão. You need a noun after à, not a verb. You can't 'concerning to to-reflect.' Another mistake is using it to mean 'concerning the reflection' in a mirror. Usually, people say quanto ao reflexo for physical mirrors. Using it for your hair in the morning is a bit much. Unless your hair is a philosophical crisis. Which, honestly, some mornings it is.

Common Variations

If concernente à reflexão feels too stiff, try Em relação à reflexão. It’s still formal but slightly more modern. You could also use Quanto à reflexão. This is very common in journalism and business. For something a bit more 'lawyer-ish,' try No que tange à reflexão. That one is a real tongue-twister for beginners! If you want to be slightly less formal, just use Sobre a reflexão. It gets the job done without the fancy suit. In Brazil, you might hear No tocante à reflexão in political speeches. All these variations keep the crase because reflexão is feminine. It’s like a family of formal phrases, and they all love their grammar.

Real Conversations

P

Professor

O seu trabalho ignora a ética. (Your work ignores ethics.)
S

Student

Concernente à reflexão sobre a ética, adicionei um capítulo novo. (Regarding the reflection on ethics, I added a new chapter.)
B

Boss

Precisamos decidir sobre o novo logo. (We need to decide on the new logo.)
E

Employee

Concernente à reflexão estética que fizemos, prefiro o azul. (Regarding the aesthetic reflection we did, I prefer the blue one.)

Friend 1: Você ainda está pensando no ex? (Are you still thinking about your ex?)

Friend 2: Sobre isso, prefiro não comentar. (About that, I prefer not to comment.)

N

Note

In the last one, the friend uses sobre because concernente would be way too weird! Stick to the simple stuff with friends.

Quick FAQ

Is it only for philosophy? No, but it sounds like it! You can use it for business, science, or even personal growth. It just implies you’ve thought about the topic deeply. Can I use it in an interview? Yes! It makes you sound analytical and composed. Just don't use it every two sentences. Is there a plural version? Yes: Concernente às reflexões. Use this if you’re referring to multiple sessions of deep thinking. Does it work in Portugal and Brazil? Absolutely. It’s standard high-level Portuguese across the Lusophone world. Is it common in books? Very. You’ll find it in the intro of almost every academic book. Can I use it in a text message? Only if you’re texting your lawyer or a very formal professor. Otherwise, stick to sobre. It’s about matching the energy of the room.

Usage Notes

This phrase requires a high-level mastery of the 'crase' (contraction of a+a). It is strictly for formal writing or speeches and should be avoided in casual conversations. Using it correctly instantly elevates your perceived level of education in Portuguese.

🎯

The 'à' is Non-Negotiable

In formal Portuguese writing, omitting the 'crase' (the backtick accent) in `à reflexão` is a major red flag that reveals you're a learner. Always double-check it!

⚠️

Don't Sound Like a Robot

Using this in a casual setting like a party will make you sound like you're reading a manual. Save it for when the stakes are high or the topic is serious.

💬

The Weight of 'Reflexão'

In Brazil and Portugal, 'reflexão' implies something that takes time. Using this phrase shows you respect the other person's time and intellect.

💡

Perfect for Conclusions

If you're stuck at the end of an email or essay, start your final thought with this. it bridges your arguments together perfectly.

Examples

10
#1 In a formal academic essay
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Concernente à reflexão sobre a modernidade, o autor propõe um novo paradigma.

Regarding the reflection on modernity, the author proposes a new paradigm.

Sets a serious tone for a scholarly argument.

#2 In a corporate board meeting
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Concernente à reflexão estratégica deste trimestre, as metas serão mantidas.

Regarding the strategic reflection of this quarter, the goals will be maintained.

Professional way to reference a previous planning session.

#3 Sending a LinkedIn message to a mentor
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Concernente à reflexão que você compartilhou no seu post, concordo plenamente.

Regarding the reflection you shared in your post, I fully agree.

Modern professional networking context.

A student correcting a paper Common Mistake
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✗ Concernente a reflexão do livro → ✓ Concernente à reflexão do livro, o tema é complexo.

Regarding the reflection of the book, the theme is complex.

Common mistake: forgetting the crase (à).

#5 In a legal document or report
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Concernente à reflexão jurídica sobre o caso, não há provas suficientes.

Regarding the legal reflection on the case, there is insufficient evidence.

Very formal legal terminology.

#6 A humorous text to a very nerdy friend
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Concernente à reflexão sobre qual pizza pedir, escolho a de pepperoni.

Regarding the reflection on which pizza to order, I choose pepperoni.

Using a super formal phrase for a trivial choice creates humor.

#7 A therapist writing notes or speaking to a patient
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Concernente à reflexão sobre o seu trauma, vamos avançar devagar.

Regarding the reflection on your trauma, let's move forward slowly.

Clinical and supportive context.

A mistake with verbs Common Mistake
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✗ Concernente à refletir sobre a vida → ✓ Concernente à reflexão sobre a vida, sinto-me melhor.

Regarding the reflection on life, I feel better.

Common mistake: using a verb (refletir) instead of a noun (reflexão) after 'à'.

#9 An Instagram caption for a travel photo
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Concernente à reflexão que o mar nos traz, hoje só quero silêncio.

Regarding the reflection that the sea brings us, today I only want silence.

Aesthetic and 'deep' social media usage.

#10 A follow-up email after a seminar
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Concernente à reflexão coletiva que tivemos, envio os slides em anexo.

Regarding the collective reflection we had, I am sending the slides attached.

Friendly but professional follow-up.

Test Yourself

Complete the phrase with the correct preposition/article contraction.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

We use 'à' because 'concernente' requires the preposition 'a' and 'reflexão' is a feminine noun that takes the article 'a'.

Which sentence is most appropriate for a business email?

Choose the correct formal option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Concernente à reflexão sobre as vendas, os lucros subiram.

This sentence uses the full formal structure correctly with the proper grammar (crase).

Find and fix the grammatical error in this formal statement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The word 'concernente' requires the preposition 'a', which merges with the article 'a' of 'reflexão', creating 'à'.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum for 'Regarding the Reflection'

Casual

Talking with friends over coffee.

Sobre o que a gente pensou...

Neutral

Everyday office communication.

Quanto à nossa reflexão...

Formal

Professional reports and emails.

Em relação à reflexão realizada...

Very Formal

Academic papers and legal docs.

Concernente à reflexão...

When to use 'Concernente à reflexão'

Concernente à reflexão
🎓

Academic Thesis

Linking chapters of a study.

⚖️

Legal Brief

Referring to judicial meditations.

💼

Executive Email

Follow-up after a strategy session.

📸

Deep Social Media

Reflective Instagram captions.

🤔

Philosophical Debate

Challenging a previous point.

Concernente vs. Alternative Phrases

Phrase
Concernente à Very Formal / Precise
Quanto à Formal / Common
Sobre a Neutral / Simple
Best For
Law & Academia
Business Emails
Daily Talk

Types of Reflections

🧠

Mental Reflection

  • Ethical analysis
  • Personal growth
  • Strategic planning
📖

Academic Reflection

  • Literary critique
  • Scientific results
  • Sociological theory

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Complete the phrase with the correct preposition/article contraction. Fill Blank beginner

Concernente ___ reflexão sobre o clima, precisamos de dados.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

We use 'à' because 'concernente' requires the preposition 'a' and 'reflexão' is a feminine noun that takes the article 'a'.

Which sentence is most appropriate for a business email? Choose intermediate

Choose the correct formal option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Concernente à reflexão sobre as vendas, os lucros subiram.

This sentence uses the full formal structure correctly with the proper grammar (crase).

Find and fix the grammatical error in this formal statement. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

Concernente a reflexão filosófica do autor, o texto é denso.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Concernente à reflexão filosófica do autor, o texto é denso.

The word 'concernente' requires the preposition 'a', which merges with the article 'a' of 'reflexão', creating 'à'.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

While reflexão can mean a physical reflection in a mirror, in the phrase concernente à reflexão, it almost exclusively refers to a mental or philosophical thought process. You would rarely use such a formal structure for something as simple as looking in a mirror.

No, it is definitely not part of the daily spoken language for most people. You will find it in newspapers, textbooks, and formal speeches, but using it with friends would be seen as quite unusual or even funny.

Yes, it is a very professional way to open an email if you are following up on a deep discussion you previously had. It signals to the recipient that you have been thinking seriously about the topic since you last spoke.

Sobre is the simple, everyday word for 'about.' Concernente is much more formal and specific, usually implying a logical or academic connection between two distinct ideas or periods of thought.

The accent is called a 'crase.' It happens because the word concernente requires the preposition a (concerning TO), and the word reflexão is feminine and takes the article a (THE reflection). They merge into one accented à.

It is used equally in both countries within formal contexts. Portuguese speakers in both regions respect high-level grammatical structures in writing, so it remains a standard part of the educated lexicon across the globe.

No, you should follow it with a noun. If you want to use a verb like 'thinking,' you should say concernente ao ato de pensar or simply use a different structure like no que se refere a pensar.

You could say Quanto à reflexão, which is still formal but slightly less 'wordy.' It is a common alternative in business settings where you want to be professional but also get straight to the point.

Absolutely! It shows that you have a high level of linguistic competence and that you are an analytical thinker. Just make sure the context is appropriate, such as when discussing your career goals or a past project.

Most people will still understand you, but in a formal written context, it will look like a spelling mistake. It’s the kind of error that a pedantic boss or a strict professor would definitely notice and perhaps judge.

Yes, it feels very serious and deliberate. It suggests that the topic is not something to be taken lightly and that you are approaching it with the necessary gravity and intellectual respect it deserves.

Only if the word following it is masculine. For example, concernente ao assunto. But since reflexão is always feminine, you will almost always see it paired as concernente à reflexão in this specific context.

It is actually encouraged for B2 learners to start using these more complex structures to reach a C1 level. It demonstrates that you can handle the nuances of formal grammar and academic register in your target language.

The most common synonyms are relativo a, no que toca a, respeitante a, and em relação a. All of these serve to connect one topic to another in a formal or semi-formal way.

Yes, if you're going for a 'scholarly' or 'intellectual' vibe. It works well for photos of books, museums, or quiet landscapes where you want to share a deeper thought with your followers in a sophisticated way.

Lawyers love this phrase! Legal writing in Portuguese is notoriously formal, and concernente is a staple of judicial documents. If you’re reading a contract or a court ruling, you’ll likely see it multiple times.

It's pronounced /kõ.seɾ.ˈnẽ.tʃi/ in most of Brazil. The 'en' sounds are nasal, and the 'e' at the end is very soft, almost like a 'chi.' In Portugal, it would be /kõ.seɾ.ˈnẽ.tɨ/ with a more closed final 'e'.

Only if you're both academics or if you're being intentionally ironic! It's generally too cold and formal for romance. You'd be better off using sobre or pensando em when talking about your feelings for someone.

Related Phrases

👔

No que tange à

formal version

Regarding / In what concerns

This is an even more formal, legalistic way to say 'regarding' that is common in official documents.

🔄

Quanto à

synonym

As for / Regarding

This is a very common and slightly less stiff alternative that still maintains a high level of formality.

🔄

Relativo à

synonym

Related to

Used when you want to emphasize the direct connection between the reflection and your next point.

😊

Sobre a

informal version

About the

This is the most common, everyday way to express the same idea without the academic weight.

🌍

Respeitante à

regional variant

Respecting / Regarding

More common in European Portuguese (Portugal) than in Brazil, though understood by all.

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