C1 Expression Very Formal 6 min read

É mister destacar que

It is necessary to highlight that

Literally: It is necessity to highlight that

In 15 Seconds

  • Sophisticated way to say 'it's necessary to point out'.
  • Extremely formal; used in legal or academic contexts.
  • 'Mister' means necessity, not 'Mr.' or 'mystery'.
  • Perfect for highlighting the core point of an argument.

Meaning

This phrase is a high-level way to signal that what follows is absolutely essential. It carries a heavy, scholarly weight that says, 'Pay attention, because this is the core requirement of my argument.' It feels like a mix of authority, urgency, and intellectual precision.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Writing a university essay

É mister destacar que a pesquisa ainda é inconclusiva.

It is necessary to highlight that the research is still inconclusive.

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2

Formal business report

É mister destacar que os lucros aumentaram significativamente.

It is essential to point out that profits increased significantly.

<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Legal document or contract

É mister destacar que o descumprimento gera multa.

It is necessary to highlight that non-compliance results in a fine.

<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazilian legal culture, this phrase is part of 'Juridiquês'. There is a movement called 'Linguagem Simples' trying to reduce its use to make law more accessible to the public. In Portugal, 'mister' is often associated with the 'Estado Novo' era's formal administrative language, though it remains in use in high-level academic circles. Across the Lusophone world, using 'É mister' in a PhD thesis is seen as a sign of linguistic maturity and respect for academic tradition. High-end newspapers like 'Folha de S.Paulo' or 'Público' use this in their opinion editorials to sound authoritative and serious.

🎯

The 'One-Per-Text' Rule

Because this phrase is so heavy, only use it once in an entire essay or report. Using it more makes your writing feel 'cluttered' and overly dramatic.

⚠️

Avoid in Emails

Unless you are writing to a judge or a high-ranking government official, use 'Vale ressaltar que' instead. It's more modern and less stiff.

In 15 Seconds

  • Sophisticated way to say 'it's necessary to point out'.
  • Extremely formal; used in legal or academic contexts.
  • 'Mister' means necessity, not 'Mr.' or 'mystery'.
  • Perfect for highlighting the core point of an argument.

What It Means

Ever feel like a regular é importante just doesn't cut it? You need something with more gravity. É mister destacar que is your linguistic heavy hitter. The word mister here doesn't mean 'Mr.' like in English. It actually means 'necessity' or 'duty.' When you use this, you are saying it is a requirement to focus on a specific point. It’s like a verbal highlighter in a thick textbook. It tells your audience that the following information is non-negotiable. It has a vibe of a judge delivering a verdict. Or a professor correcting a very long thesis. Use it when you want to sound like the smartest person in the room. Just don't trip over your own metaphorical cape while saying it!

How To Use It

You will usually find this phrase at the very start of a sentence. It sets the stage for a major observation. The structure is quite fixed: É mister destacar que + [the thing you want to highlight]. For example, É mister destacar que o contrato vence amanhã. You don't need to change the words based on gender or number. Mister stays as it is because it's a noun acting as a predicate. It’s very common in academic writing and formal reports. Think of it as a formal 'Look, here's the deal.' It works best when followed by a complete thought. If you’re writing a LinkedIn post about 'synergy,' this is your best friend. It makes even the simplest observation sound like a divine revelation.

Formality & Register

This is as formal as it gets in Portuguese. We are talking tuxedos and five-course meals level of formality. It sits at the top of the 'very_formal' register. You will see it in legal documents, PhD defenses, and high-level corporate manifestos. If you use this while ordering a coxinha at a street stall, people will stare. They might think you’re a time traveler from 1850. It’s perfect for formal emails to a CEO or a government official. It’s the opposite of slang. It’s the language of the 'Elite da Língua.' Use it when you want to establish professional distance and authority. It’s not for friends, it’s for 'Vossas Excelências.'

Real-Life Examples

You’ll find this in the introduction of a master's thesis. A student might write: É mister destacar que a amostra foi limitada. This makes the limitation sound like a serious academic choice. You might also see it in a newspaper editorial. An editor could write: É mister destacar que a inflação está subindo. This gives the news a sense of national urgency. Lawyers love it too. They use it to point out a specific clause in a contract. In a Zoom meeting, a manager might use it to sound more 'leadership-y.' They say: É mister destacar que nossas metas mudaram. It’s basically the 'corporate speak' final boss. It’s also great for being slightly dramatic in a formal letter of complaint. 'It is necessary to highlight that my internet has been out for three years!'

When To Use It

Use it when the situation demands serious respect. Use it in a job interview if you want to sound highly educated. Use it when writing an essay for a Brazilian university entrance exam (Enem). It’s great for summarizing a complex argument. Use it when you want to show that a specific fact is the 'key' to everything else. It’s the perfect 'bridge' phrase. It moves the reader from a general discussion to a specific, vital point. If you’re writing a formal speech for a wedding, maybe skip it. Unless you want the guests to think they’re in a courtroom. But for a professional presentation? It’s pure gold.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this in a WhatsApp group with your cousins. They will roast you for being a 'professor.' Do not use it on a first date, unless your date is a linguistics nerd. It’s way too stiff for casual settings. If you’re texting your Uber driver, just say oi. Saying É mister destacar que estou na esquina is just weird. Avoid it in casual Instagram captions about your lunch. 'It is necessary to highlight that this avocado toast is fire.' No, please don't. It’s also not great for emotional, heart-to-heart talks. It creates a wall of formality. If you’re apologizing to a friend, keep it simple. This phrase is for brains, not for hearts.

Common Mistakes

One big mistake is confusing mister with mestre. Mestre means master or teacher. Mister means necessity. Saying É mestre destacar makes no sense. Another mistake is using it for trivial things. It sounds sarcastic if the point isn't actually important. People also forget the que. You need that que to connect to the next part. Some learners try to make mister plural: São misteres destacar. Nope, keep it singular. It’s an adverbial expression here. Finally, don't use it ten times in one page. It becomes repetitive and loses its 'wow' factor. It’s a seasoning, not the whole dish.

Common Variations

If mister feels a bit too 'ye olde world,' try É fundamental ressaltar. This is still formal but a bit more modern. Cabe salientar que is another great one for reports. It means 'it is worth pointing out.' É de suma importância frisar is also popular. It’s like saying something is of 'supreme importance.' If you want to be slightly less formal, try É preciso notar que. That’s the 'khakis and a polo shirt' version. For something very quick, use Vale lembrar que. That’s 'Worth remembering that.' Each of these has a slightly different flavor. Mister is the most 'heavyweight' of them all.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: O projeto está quase pronto, mas o orçamento é curto.

Speaker B: É mister destacar que não podemos reduzir a qualidade.

Speaker A: Concordo, mas os investidores estão pressionando.

Speaker B: É mister destacar que a segurança vem em primeiro lugar.

Speaker A: Você está falando igual a um livro hoje, hein?

Speaker B: Desculpe, acabei de ler um artigo jurídico!

Quick FAQ

Is mister related to the English word 'mystery'? No, they are totally different. Mister comes from 'ministerium' (service), while 'mystery' comes from 'mysterium' (secret). Can I use it in a formal email? Yes, it is perfect for that. It shows you have a high level of Portuguese. Is it old-fashioned? A little bit, but it is still very active in professional and academic circles. Does it mean 'must'? Effectively, yes. It means 'it is a must to highlight.' Should I use it in everyday speech? Only if you want to be funny or if you are in a very formal meeting. Otherwise, stick to é importante.

Usage Notes

This phrase belongs to the highest level of formal register. It is specifically used to introduce a crucial point in academic, legal, or professional writing. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you intend to be humorous or overly dramatic.

🎯

The 'One-Per-Text' Rule

Because this phrase is so heavy, only use it once in an entire essay or report. Using it more makes your writing feel 'cluttered' and overly dramatic.

⚠️

Avoid in Emails

Unless you are writing to a judge or a high-ranking government official, use 'Vale ressaltar que' instead. It's more modern and less stiff.

💬

The 'Coach' Exception

In Portugal, 'Mister' is a common way to address a football coach. Don't confuse this with the expression 'É mister'!

Examples

10
#1 Writing a university essay
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que a pesquisa ainda é inconclusiva.

It is necessary to highlight that the research is still inconclusive.

Sets a serious academic tone for the limitation of a study.

#2 Formal business report
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que os lucros aumentaram significativamente.

It is essential to point out that profits increased significantly.

Emphasizes the most important financial data in a report.

#3 Legal document or contract
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que o descumprimento gera multa.

It is necessary to highlight that non-compliance results in a fine.

Standard legal phrasing to warn about consequences.

#4 Job interview on Zoom
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que minha experiência anterior me preparou para isso.

It is necessary to highlight that my previous experience prepared me for this.

Shows high-level vocabulary to impress a recruiter.

Instagram caption for a coffee photo Common Mistake
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✗ É mister destacar que este café está muito quente! → ✓ É importante notar que este café está pegando fogo!

✗ It is necessary to highlight that this coffee is very hot! → ✓ It's important to note this coffee is scorching!

Using 'mister' for coffee is way too formal and sounds awkward.

#6 Political speech
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que a democracia exige vigilância constante.

It is necessary to highlight that democracy requires constant vigilance.

Adds gravitas and weight to a powerful political statement.

#7 LinkedIn manifesto
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que a inovação não acontece no vácuo.

It is necessary to highlight that innovation does not happen in a vacuum.

Classic 'corporate thought leader' style of writing.

Texting a friend about a party Common Mistake
<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>

✗ É mister destacar que a festa vai ser top. → ✓ Cara, a festa vai ser incrível.

✗ It is necessary to highlight that the party will be top. → ✓ Dude, the party will be amazing.

Mixing ultra-formal 'mister' with slang like 'top' is a disaster.

#9 Formal letter of complaint
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que o serviço não foi prestado conforme o esperado.

It is necessary to highlight that the service was not provided as expected.

Assertive but polite way to start a complaint.

#10 Academic debate
<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="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

É mister destacar que o autor ignora os dados históricos.

It is necessary to highlight that the author ignores historical data.

A sophisticated way to critique an opponent's argument.

Test Yourself

Complete the formal sentence using the correct phrase.

Para concluir este relatório, __________ destacar que os lucros dobraram.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: é mister

'É mister' is the standard impersonal expression for necessity in this context.

Which of these sentences is appropriate for a legal document?

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É mister destacar que o réu é inocente.

This option uses the correct formal register and appropriate vocabulary for a legal context.

Match the phrase to the most likely situation.

Phrase: 'É mister destacar que a educação é a base de tudo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A formal speech at a university graduation

The high formality of 'é mister' fits a graduation ceremony perfectly.

Complete the academic dialogue.

Professor: 'Seu artigo está bom, mas falta ênfase no resultado principal.' Aluno: 'Entendo, professor. Vou adicionar um parágrafo começando com: "__________ que os resultados são definitivos."'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É mister destacar

Academic writing requires the formal tone provided by 'É mister destacar'.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Scale of 'Highlighting'

Informal
Olha só... Look...
Neutral
Vale destacar que... It's worth highlighting...
Very Formal
É mister destacar que... It is imperative to highlight...

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the formal sentence using the correct phrase. Fill Blank B2

Para concluir este relatório, __________ destacar que os lucros dobraram.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: é mister

'É mister' is the standard impersonal expression for necessity in this context.

Which of these sentences is appropriate for a legal document? Choose C1

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É mister destacar que o réu é inocente.

This option uses the correct formal register and appropriate vocabulary for a legal context.

Match the phrase to the most likely situation. situation_matching B1

Phrase: 'É mister destacar que a educação é a base de tudo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A formal speech at a university graduation

The high formality of 'é mister' fits a graduation ceremony perfectly.

Complete the academic dialogue. dialogue_completion C1

Professor: 'Seu artigo está bom, mas falta ênfase no resultado principal.' Aluno: 'Entendo, professor. Vou adicionar um parágrafo começando com: "__________ que os resultados são definitivos."'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É mister destacar

Academic writing requires the formal tone provided by 'É mister destacar'.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions

No. 'Mister' comes from 'ministerium' (service/duty), while 'mistério' comes from 'mysterium' (secret rite). They are false friends.

Yes, but only for very formal positions (Law, Finance, Academia). For a startup or creative role, it might sound too stiff.

'É necessário destacar que' is the most direct synonym, but 'Vale ressaltar que' is the most common in professional writing.

The noun 'mister' has a plural ('misteres'), but in this specific impersonal expression, it is almost always used in the singular.

Yes, but it's considered very formal and slightly old-fashioned. It's more common in Brazilian legal and academic writing.

Yes! 'Faz-se mister' is even more formal and sophisticated. It's the 'pro' version of the phrase.

Related Phrases

🔄

Cabe salientar que

synonym

It is worth pointing out that

🔗

Urge ressaltar que

builds on

It is urgent to highlight that

🔗

Vale lembrar que

similar

It's worth remembering that

🔄

É de suma importância que

synonym

It is of utmost importance that

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