Convém mencionar que

Using this phrase is like driving a luxury car; it requires a bit of finesse. You usually place it at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage. Because it is an impersonal expression, the verb convém stays in the third-person singular. You do not need to conjugate it for 'I' or 'we.' Just drop the whole block: Convém mencionar que... followed by your fact. It is often followed by a verb in the indicative mood because you are usually stating a fact. For example, Convém mencionar que o prazo termina amanhã (It is worth mentioning that the deadline ends tomorrow). Just remember the que is your bridge. Without it, the sentence falls into the abyss. Also, avoid adding extra prepositions like de. It is not convém de mencionar. That is a one-way ticket to 'Uncanny Valley' for native speakers.

This phrase lives in the 'Formal' and 'Neutral-High' neighborhoods. You will find it in academic papers, business reports, and news broadcasts. It is the gold standard for 'Professional Portuguese.' In a world of 'valeu' and 'tamo junto,' this phrase is the three-piece suit. However, it is not so formal that it feels archaic. You can use it in a serious email to a landlord or a respectful debate on a LinkedIn thread. It suggests that you are a serious person who values clarity and etiquette. If formality were a spice, this would be a high-quality saffron—expensive, distinct, and best used with intention. Don't waste it on your Uber driver unless he's also your future father-in-law.

Imagine you are in a Zoom meeting. Everyone is discussing the new marketing plan. You realize everyone forgot about the budget. You say: Convém mencionar que o orçamento ainda não foi aprovado. Boom. You just saved the company money and sounded like the most organized person in the room. Or maybe you are writing a review for a fancy hotel on TripAdvisor. You might write: O serviço foi excelente, mas convém mencionar que o estacionamento é pago à parte. It is a polite way to give a 'heads up' without sounding like you are complaining. It is also great for travel vlogging captions when you want to look sophisticated while eating street food in Lisbon.

Use this phrase when the stakes are medium to high. It is perfect for job interviews when you want to bring up a skill that wasn't on your resume but is super relevant. Use it in emails when you are correcting a colleague but want to keep the peace. It is also brilliant for giving feedback. Instead of saying 'You forgot the dates,' you say, Convém mencionar que as datas precisam ser revisadas. It shifts the focus from 'You messed up' to 'This fact needs attention.' It is basically a diplomat in phrase form. If you're writing a formal letter to an institution or applying for a visa, this phrase is your best friend.

Do not use this with your siblings while arguing about who gets the last slice of cake. Unless you are being intentionally sarcastic (which can be funny, but risky), it will make you sound incredibly pretentious. Avoid it in casual texts like 'Convém mencionar que cheguei.' Just say 'Cheguei.' Also, avoid it if the information is totally obvious or trivial. If you say Convém mencionar que o céu é azul, people will look at you like you've spent too much time talking to AI bots. It requires a fact that actually *deserves* the formal introduction. It's for the 'meat' of the conversation, not the garnish.

The biggest trap for learners is adding an unnecessary de. You might be tempted to say ✗ Convém de mencionar, but that is grammatically incorrect in this context. Another mistake is trying to make it personal, like ✗ Eu convém mencionar. Nope! Convém is the subject here (well, the clause that follows is). It stays impersonal. Also, don't confuse it with convencer (to convince). They sound slightly similar if you're rushing, but telling someone Convém mencionar is very different from trying to convince them of something. Finally, watch your 'que'. Forgetting it is like forgetting the 'that' in 'It is worth noting that.' The sentence just stops working.

If convém mencionar que feels a bit too heavy, you can try Vale ressaltar que (It is worth highlighting that). This is very common in Brazil and feels a bit more active. For something slightly more 'intellectual,' try Cabe salientar que (It is fitting to point out that). If you want to go even more formal, É imperativo notar que (It is imperative to note that) is your 'Final Boss' level phrase. On the slightly less formal side, you can say É bom lembrar que (It is good to remember that). It’s like the 'jeans and a blazer' version of the phrase—still tidy, but more relaxed.

Is it too formal for a WhatsApp message? Generally, yes, unless it's a work-related group or you're being funny. Can I use it in Portugal and Brazil? Absolutely, it is universally understood and used in both. Is there a shorter version? Not really, but you can say Convém notar (It's worth noting). Does it require a specific verb tense after it? Usually the indicative (the normal present or past), because you are stating a reality. What's the emotional vibe? It feels 'correct' and 'responsible.' It’s the linguistic equivalent of a firm handshake.