B2 Expression Formal 7 min read

Em relação à constatação

Regarding the constatação

Literally: In relation to the verification

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to link actions or thoughts to a specific verified fact or finding.
  • Very formal; best for emails, reports, job interviews, and academic writing.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because it combines a preposition and a feminine article.
  • Implies authority and that the information has been professionally verified.

Meaning

This phrase is a sophisticated way to address a specific fact, observation, or finding that has been brought to light. It’s like saying 'Regarding the realization' or 'Concerning what was found' in a professional or serious context. It implies that a conclusion has been reached through observation and now you are commenting on it.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Corporate meeting about sales

Em relação à constatação de que as vendas caíram, vamos reduzir os preços.

Regarding the finding that sales dropped, we are going to reduce prices.

2

Reading a medical report

Em relação à constatação de anemia, o paciente deve tomar suplementos.

Regarding the diagnosis of anemia, the patient must take supplements.

3

Discussing a news article

Em relação à constatação do desmatamento, o governo prometeu novas leis.

Regarding the verification of deforestation, the government promised new laws.

🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase `em relação à constatação` stems from the deeply bureaucratic and legalistic history of the Portuguese language. In both Brazil and Portugal, official documents and legal proceedings have historically prioritized precise, evidence-based language to ensure accountability. The word `constatação` reflects a cultural value placed on 'proof' and 'witnessing'—in a society where paperwork often defines reality, being able to point to a 'verified observation' is a powerful communicative tool. It’s the language of the 'escrivão' (clerk) and the 'perito' (expert) that has migrated into modern corporate and academic life.

🎯

The 'à' Secret

If you are unsure about the 'à', swap 'constatação' with a masculine word like 'fato'. If it becomes 'ao fato', then you need the 'à' for 'constatação'. It's a foolproof trick!

⚠️

Don't Sound Like a Robot

Using this phrase in a WhatsApp chat with a date is a fast way to get ghosted. It sounds incredibly stiff and 'robotic' in romantic or super casual settings.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to link actions or thoughts to a specific verified fact or finding.
  • Very formal; best for emails, reports, job interviews, and academic writing.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because it combines a preposition and a feminine article.
  • Implies authority and that the information has been professionally verified.

What It Means

Think of em relação à constatação as the 'grown-up' version of saying 'about what we saw.' It’s a bridge that connects a proven fact to your next point. The word constatação comes from constatar, which means to verify or witness something as an undeniable truth. When you use this expression, you aren't just guessing; you are speaking about something that is already on the table as a fact. It carries the weight of evidence. If you’re a detective pointing at a fingerprint, or a manager looking at a spreadsheet, this is your go-to phrase. It’s a bit like putting on a lab coat before you speak—it adds immediate authority and precision to your words. Use it when you want to sound like someone who has done their homework and isn't just chatting for the sake of it.

How To Use It

To use this phrase correctly, you need to follow the 'Em relação à' part with a specific finding. Most often, the phrase is followed by a description of what was found, like em relação à constatação de que os preços subiram. Grammatically, it’s a bit of a trap because of that little à. In Portuguese, the noun relação requires the preposition a, and because constatação is a feminine noun, you get a + a = à. If you forget the accent, a grammar teacher somewhere might lose their wings. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence to set the stage or in the middle to provide context. It’s like a spotlight—you’re shining it directly on the 'finding' so everyone knows exactly which piece of evidence you’re talking about. Pro tip: keep your posture straight when saying it; the phrase does half the work of making you look professional!

Formality & Register

This is definitely a 'suit and tie' kind of phrase. You’ll find it in corporate emails, legal documents, news reports, and academic papers. It’s the opposite of 'slang.' If you used this while ordering a pizza or texting your best friend about a movie, they might ask if you’ve been replaced by an AI or if you’re planning to sue them. However, in a job interview or a presentation, it’s absolute gold. It shows you have a high level of Portuguese and that you understand how to navigate formal spaces. It’s neutral in emotion—very objective and 'just the facts, ma'am.' It’s the language of boardrooms and courtrooms, not beach bars. If you want to impress a boss or a professor, sprinkle this in. Just don't use it with your grandma unless she’s a retired judge.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you are reading a news article about climate change. The journalist might write, Em relação à constatação do aumento das temperaturas, novas medidas foram tomadas. They aren't just saying 'it's hot'; they are referring to the scientific proof. Or picture a Zoom meeting where the marketing team is looking at low engagement numbers. Someone might say, Em relação à constatação de que o público prefere vídeos curtos, vamos mudar nossa estratégia. It’s used to justify a change in direction based on reality. You’ll see it in medical reports too: Em relação à constatação de uma leve arritmia, o médico solicitou mais exames. It’s the linguistic tool for adults who need to deal with serious situations based on what they’ve actually observed, rather than what they hope is true.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you are analyzing data or results. It’s perfect for 'feedback loops' where you see a result and need to explain the next step. It’s also great for debate. If someone presents a fact you can't deny, you start your rebuttal with Em relação à constatação feita... to show you acknowledge their point before adding your own spin. It’s very useful for writing 'Conclusions' or 'Executive Summaries.' If you’re a travel vlogger doing a 'budget vs. reality' video, you could use it to sound ironically formal: Em relação à constatação de que gastei todo o meu dinheiro em sorvete, aqui está o meu plano para sobreviver amanhã. It adds a nice touch of 'serious humor' to everyday disasters.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this for opinions or feelings. You can't say Em relação à constatação de que eu te amo because love isn't a 'finding'—well, unless you’re a scientist studying brain chemicals. It’s also too heavy for casual settings. If you’re at a party and say, Em relação à constatação de que a cerveja está acabando... your friends will probably laugh at you. Avoid it when the 'finding' is obvious or trivial. It requires a certain level of importance to justify its length. Also, don't use it if you aren't 100% sure about the fact. Since it implies verification, using it for a rumor makes you sound like a very formal gossip, which is a weird vibe for everyone involved.

Common Mistakes

The absolute number one mistake is the 'Crase'—that little back-slanted accent on the à. People often write a or á, but it must be à. ✗ Em relação a constatação → ✓ Em relação à constatação. Another mistake is using com relação instead of em relação. While com relação a is acceptable, em relação a is more standard in high-level writing. Also, learners often forget that constatação is a noun. You can't say ✗ Em relação à constatar → ✓ Em relação à constatação. It’s like saying 'In relation to to see' instead of 'In relation to the observation.' Finally, don't confuse it with em relação ao fato. While similar, constatação implies that someone actually went out and verified it. It’s 'fact plus effort.'

Common Variations

You might hear Quanto à constatação, which is a slightly more 'literary' way to say the same thing. There’s also No que diz respeito à constatação, which is the heavyweight champion of formality—it’s long, rhythmic, and sounds very important. For something a bit shorter, people use Sobre a constatação. If you’re in Portugal, you might hear Relativamente à constatação, which is very common there but sounds a bit more 'European' to Brazilian ears. In very informal speech, people just say Sobre o que a gente viu (About what we saw). If you’re texting, you’d probably just use Sobre isso. But if you want that B2 level shine, stick to the original.

Real Conversations

M

Manager

O relatório de vendas deste mês foi preocupante.
E

Employee

Sim, em relação à constatação de que as vendas caíram, já estou preparando um novo plano de marketing.
M

Manager

Ótimo. Precisamos agir rápido.
D

Doctor

Os exames de sangue chegaram.
P

Patient

E então?
D

Doctor

Em relação à constatação de que seus níveis de ferro estão baixos, recomendo mudar a dieta.
P

Patient

Entendi, vou começar hoje mesmo.
T

Teacher

Você viu os resultados do simulado?
S

Student

Vi sim. Em relação à constatação de que fui mal em matemática, vou focar mais nos exercícios.

Quick FAQ

Is this phrase common in Brazil? Yes, but only in professional or academic contexts; you won't hear it at the beach or a soccer game. Can I use it in an email? Absolutely, it is one of the best phrases to use when replying to a report or a data-driven discussion. Does it always need the à? Yes, if it is followed by the feminine noun constatação, the crase is mandatory because of the 'a + a' rule. Is it the same as 'Regarding the fact'? It's very similar, but 'constatação' specifically highlights that the fact was 'observed' or 'verified' by someone. Is it too formal for a job interview? No, it’s actually perfect for a job interview as it shows you have a sophisticated vocabulary and analytical mind.

Usage Notes

Always use this in professional settings to link evidence to action. Remember the mandatory crase (à) and avoid using it in casual social situations unless you are being intentionally sarcastic or funny.

🎯

The 'à' Secret

If you are unsure about the 'à', swap 'constatação' with a masculine word like 'fato'. If it becomes 'ao fato', then you need the 'à' for 'constatação'. It's a foolproof trick!

⚠️

Don't Sound Like a Robot

Using this phrase in a WhatsApp chat with a date is a fast way to get ghosted. It sounds incredibly stiff and 'robotic' in romantic or super casual settings.

💬

The Brazilian 'Jeitinho'

While Brazilians are often informal, we love high-level vocabulary in situations of power (like banks or government offices) to show we 'know our rights'. This phrase is your shield in those places.

💡

News Anchor Vibe

Watch the 'Jornal Nacional' (Brazilian News). You'll hear this phrase or variations of it constantly when they talk about police investigations or economic data. It's the hallmark of 'serious' news.

Examples

10
#1 Corporate meeting about sales

Em relação à constatação de que as vendas caíram, vamos reduzir os preços.

Regarding the finding that sales dropped, we are going to reduce prices.

Linking a business decision to a specific data point.

#2 Reading a medical report

Em relação à constatação de anemia, o paciente deve tomar suplementos.

Regarding the diagnosis of anemia, the patient must take supplements.

Used here to explain a medical recommendation based on proof.

#3 Discussing a news article

Em relação à constatação do desmatamento, o governo prometeu novas leis.

Regarding the verification of deforestation, the government promised new laws.

News context dealing with environmental data.

Grammar mistake example Common Mistake

✗ Em relação a constatação do erro → ✓ Em relação à constatação do erro.

Regarding the finding of the error.

The 'crase' is mandatory here.

#5 Texting a friend (Humorous)

Em relação à constatação de que sou pobre, não posso ir ao show.

Regarding the realization that I'm poor, I can't go to the concert.

Using high formality for a self-deprecating joke.

#6 Job interview

Em relação à constatação de falhas no sistema, eu liderei a equipe de suporte.

Regarding the discovery of system failures, I led the support team.

Demonstrating problem-solving skills with formal language.

#7 Academic paper

Em relação à constatação de novos dados, a teoria foi revisada.

Regarding the finding of new data, the theory was revised.

Standard usage in scientific or academic writing.

Preposition mistake example Common Mistake

✗ No relação à constatação → ✓ Em relação à constatação.

Regarding the finding.

Always use 'Em' or 'Com', never 'No'.

#9 Feedback session

Em relação à constatação de que você evoluiu muito, decidimos te promover.

Regarding the observation that you have evolved a lot, we decided to promote you.

A positive, emotional professional moment.

#10 Instagram caption for a travel vlog

Em relação à constatação de que este é o lugar mais lindo do mundo: sem palavras.

Regarding the realization that this is the most beautiful place in the world: speechless.

Modern usage on social media to emphasize a feeling as a 'fact'.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: relação

The standard phrase is 'Em relação à'.

Find and fix the grammar error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

You must use the 'crase' (à) because 'constatação' is a feminine noun.

Put the words in correct order to form a formal sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The structure starts with the expression followed by the object of the observation.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à constatação do clima.

'Em relação à' followed by the noun 'constatação' is the only correct grammar.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formality of 'Regarding the Finding'

Casual

Talking to friends

Sobre o que vi...

Neutral

General discussions

Sobre a constatação...

Formal

Business emails

Em relação à constatação...

Very Formal

Legal/Academic

No que tange à constatação...

Where to use 'Em relação à constatação'

Usage Scenarios
📊

Office Meetings

Discussing sales data

🩺

Doctor's Office

Explaining lab results

⚖️

Legal Documents

Evidence in a case

🧪

Academic Papers

Scientific discoveries

📰

News Reporting

Verified world events

Synonyms vs. Context

Phrase
Em relação à constatação Regarding the finding
Sobre a descoberta About the discovery
Best Used For
Reports/Evidence Facts already proven
New info Unexpected findings

Grammar Checklist

Must Haves

  • Preposition 'Em'
  • Crase on 'à'
  • Noun 'constatação'

Avoid

  • No accent (a)
  • Wrong prep (No)
  • Verb form (constatar)

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank beginner

Em ___ à constatação de que está chovendo, vamos levar guarda-chuvas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: relação

The standard phrase is 'Em relação à'.

Find and fix the grammar error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Em relação a constatação de erros, o gerente agiu rápido.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à constatação de erros, o gerente agiu rápido.

You must use the 'crase' (à) because 'constatação' is a feminine noun.

Put the words in correct order to form a formal sentence. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à constatação de novos fatos

The structure starts with the expression followed by the object of the observation.

Which sentence is correct? Choose beginner

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à constatação do clima.

'Em relação à' followed by the noun 'constatação' is the only correct grammar.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

Yes, but it is specific to formal environments like offices, universities, and legal settings. You won't hear it in casual street talk, but you will see it in almost every professional email or formal report in Brazil and Portugal.

The accent, called 'crase', is mandatory because the word 'relação' requires the preposition 'a' and the word 'constatação' is feminine and requires the article 'a'. Combining them creates 'à', and omitting it is a serious grammatical error in formal writing.

Yes, 'Com relação à' is a perfectly acceptable synonym that carries the same level of formality. Some writers prefer 'Em' while others prefer 'Com', but both are equally professional and grammatically correct in all formal contexts.

While 'observação' is just the act of looking at something, 'constatação' implies that a conclusion has been reached or a fact has been verified. It is a 'harder' word that suggests the information is now an undeniable piece of evidence.

Yes, it is used in Portugal, though you might also hear 'Relativamente à constatação' more frequently there. The Brazilian version 'Em relação à' is understood everywhere and remains a staple of formal written Portuguese across the globe.

Technically you could, but it would sound very strange or sarcastic. Because 'constatação' implies objective proof, using it for emotions like 'In relation to the finding that I am sad' sounds like you are treating your feelings as a clinical experiment.

Absolutely, using this phrase correctly is a great way to show that you have moved beyond basic Portuguese. It demonstrates a grasp of complex grammar (like the crase) and an understanding of how to communicate in professional adult environments.

Your friends will likely think you are joking or being intentionally 'fancy'. It’s often used humorously to make a mundane observation sound like a major scientific discovery, such as 'Regarding the finding that there is no more pizza, I shall cry'.

Mostly, yes. It can also be translated as 'verification', 'realization', or 'observation' depending on the context. In a medical setting, it might mean 'diagnosis', and in a legal setting, it might refer to a 'witnessed event'.

In formal writing, you can use 'Sobre a constatação'. In casual speech, people usually just say 'Sobre o que vimos' (About what we saw) or 'Quanto a isso' (Regarding that), which are much faster and more natural for daily life.

Usually, no. It is a 'linker' phrase designed to introduce a topic, so it almost always comes at the beginning of a clause or sentence to set the context for what follows. It needs an object to relate to.

In academic papers, you will often see 'No que tange à constatação' or 'No que diz respeito à constatação'. These are even more formal and are used to show a high level of intellectual rigor in scientific or literary analysis.

It is pronounced 'kons-ta-ta-SÃ-o'. The 'ção' at the end is a nasal sound similar to the 'ng' in 'sing' but with your mouth almost closed. It is one of the more challenging sounds for English speakers to master.

Yes, it is highly recommended. It shows you are an analytical thinker who bases their actions on evidence. For example, 'Regarding the finding that the workflow was slow, I implemented a new system' sounds very impressive to a recruiter.

Yes, 'constatação' is the noun form of the verb 'constatar'. If you can 'constatar' (verify/see) something, then you have a 'constatação' (a finding/verification). They are part of the same word family used for evidence and proof.

Constantly. Journalists use it to attribute information to reports or investigations. For example, 'Regarding the finding of the audit, the mayor resigned.' it helps the journalist remain objective by pointing to the 'finding' rather than their own opinion.

Slang doesn't really exist for this specific meaning, but in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear 'Pelo que deu pra ver' (From what we could see). It's the street-level way of expressing the same idea of evidence-based observation.

It is considered B2 because it requires knowledge of formal register, the ability to link complex ideas, and the correct application of the 'crase' (à). Beginners usually stick to 'Sobre' (About), which is simpler but less precise.

Related Phrases

🔄

Quanto à constatação

synonym

As for the finding

This is a slightly more literary and concise way to introduce the same topic in a formal text.

👔

No que tange à constatação

formal version

Regarding the finding

This is the 'ultra-formal' version often found in legal or very high-level academic documents to sound more sophisticated.

😊

Sobre o que vimos

informal version

About what we saw

This is the everyday way to say the same thing when talking to friends or family without sounding like a lawyer.

🔗

Em relação ao fato

related topic

Regarding the fact

This is a very close relative that focuses on the 'fact' itself rather than the act of 'verifying' it.

🌍

Relativamente à constatação

regional variant

Relatively to the finding

This version is extremely common in European Portuguese (Portugal) and is the standard formal choice there.

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