Meaning
Introduces the specific topic or subject being discussed.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'No que concerne a' is often seen as a sign of 'falar difícil' (speaking difficultly). It is highly valued in the legal profession (OAB) and in academic circles like USP or UNICAMP. Portuguese administrative language is traditionally very formal. You will see this phrase in the 'Diário da República' (the official gazette) almost daily. In formal diplomatic relations between PALOP countries (Portuguese-speaking African countries), this phrase is used to maintain a high level of protocol and respect. In multinational companies in São Paulo or Lisbon, this phrase is used in 'PowerPoint Portuguese' to sound more authoritative during quarterly reviews.
The 'Crase' Check
If the word after 'a' is feminine, try replacing it with a masculine word. If 'a' becomes 'ao', you need a crase (à). Example: 'No que concerne à escola' -> 'No que concerne ao colégio'.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than once in a short email makes you sound like you're trying too hard. Vary your connectors with 'Além disso' or 'Quanto a'.
Meaning
Introduces the specific topic or subject being discussed.
The 'Crase' Check
If the word after 'a' is feminine, try replacing it with a masculine word. If 'a' becomes 'ao', you need a crase (à). Example: 'No que concerne à escola' -> 'No que concerne ao colégio'.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than once in a short email makes you sound like you're trying too hard. Vary your connectors with 'Além disso' or 'Quanto a'.
Legal Flavor
In Brazil, if you want to sound like a lawyer, use 'No que tange a'. If you want to sound like a professor, use 'No que concerne a'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct contraction (ao, à, aos, às).
No que concerne ____ (a + as) novas regras, todos devem obedecer.
The noun 'regras' is feminine plural, so 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
Which sentence is appropriate for a formal business report?
Select the best option:
Option B uses the correct formal register and the mandatory preposition 'a' (contracted to 'ao').
Match the formal expression with its neutral equivalent.
Match the following:
These pairs represent formal vs. neutral synonyms.
Complete the dialogue in a formal job interview context.
Candidato: 'No que concerne ______, tenho cinco anos de experiência.'
'Gestão' is feminine, so it requires the crase (à).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo que concerne ____ (a + as) novas regras, todos devem obedecer.
The noun 'regras' is feminine plural, so 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
Select the best option:
Option B uses the correct formal register and the mandatory preposition 'a' (contracted to 'ao').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These pairs represent formal vs. neutral synonyms.
Candidato: 'No que concerne ______, tenho cinco anos de experiência.'
'Gestão' is feminine, so it requires the crase (à).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. It's mostly for writing, speeches, or very formal meetings. In daily life, use 'sobre'.
No. It must be 'No que concerne ao' because the verb requires the preposition 'a'.
'Quanto a' is neutral and shorter. 'No que concerne a' is much more formal and 'heavy'.
Usually, yes, if it starts the sentence. Example: 'No que concerne ao clima, prefiro o frio.'
Yes, but only in formal contexts like news, law, and academia.
No, it is followed by a noun or a noun phrase. To use a verb, you'd say 'No que concerne a fazer...'
Only if the following noun is feminine and singular. If it's plural, it's 'às'.
It is always 'concerne' in this fixed expression.
No, it is an introductory or transitional phrase that needs a subject to follow.
They are on the same level of formality, but 'concerne' feels slightly more 'intellectual'.
Related Phrases
No que diz respeito a
synonymRegarding / With respect to
No que tange a
specialized formRegarding / Touching upon
Quanto a
similarAs for
Relativamente a
synonymRelatively to / Regarding
