C1 Expression Formal 8 min read

No que diz respeito à abordagem

Regarding the abordagem

Literally: In that which says respect to the approach

In 15 Seconds

  • Sophisticated way to say 'regarding the method'.
  • Essential for professional meetings and formal writing.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) before the word 'abordagem'.
  • Signals a shift from general talk to specific strategy.

Meaning

This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'concerning the method' or 'when it comes to the strategy.' It helps you zoom in on how a specific situation is being handled with precision and professional flair. It carries a vibe of intellectual clarity and analytical depth.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Job interview on Zoom

No que diz respeito à abordagem de vendas, eu foco no relacionamento.

Regarding the sales approach, I focus on the relationship.

<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>
2

Texting a work colleague on Slack

No que diz respeito à abordagem técnica, precisamos revisar o código.

Regarding the technical approach, we need to review the code.

<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

Instagram caption about fitness

No que diz respeito à abordagem nos treinos, a paciência é fundamental.

Regarding the approach to training, patience is key.

<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>
🌍

Cultural Background

This phrase has its roots in legal and bureaucratic Portuguese, evolving from the Latin 'respicere', meaning 'to look back at' or 'to regard'. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was primarily used in formal decrees and academic treatises to compartmentalize complex arguments. Today, it reflects the high value Lusophone culture places on formal rhetoric and the ability to distinguish between 'content' and 'method' (abordagem). It’s a linguistic artifact of a society that prizes structured, elegant debate.

🎯

The Crase Secret

If you are unsure if it should be 'à', swap 'abordagem' with a masculine word like 'método'. If it becomes 'ao método', then 'abordagem' needs the 'à'!

⚠️

Don't 'De' It!

The most common mistake is saying 'respeito de'. In Portuguese, things 'dizem respeito a' something. Using 'de' is an instant giveaway that you're translating from English.

In 15 Seconds

  • Sophisticated way to say 'regarding the method'.
  • Essential for professional meetings and formal writing.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) before the word 'abordagem'.
  • Signals a shift from general talk to specific strategy.

What It Means

This phrase is the linguistic equivalent of a high-definition zoom lens. While a simple sobre (about) gives you a wide-angle shot of a topic, no que diz respeito à abordagem narrows the focus down to the specific 'how'—the strategy, the method, or the manner in which something is being handled. It’s like saying, "Everything else aside, let's talk about the specific blueprint we're using here." It carries an air of authority and precision that commands respect in any discussion. Whether you’re discussing a new project at work or a complex strategy in a video game, this phrase signals that you are moving from generalities to actionable specifics. It’s not just about the topic; it’s about the execution of the topic. Using it makes you sound like someone who has mapped out the entire process in their head. It adds about 20 points to your imaginary LinkedIn charisma score instantly!

How To Use It

The grammar here is a bit of a "boss fight," but don't worry, I've got the cheat codes for you. The core phrase is No que diz respeito a, but because abordagem is a feminine noun (a abordagem), the two 'a's merge into one with a back-tick: à. This is called a crase. If you forget it, a Portuguese teacher somewhere will shed a tiny, grammatical tear. You use it as a sentence starter or a mid-sentence pivot. For example: "The project is going well. No que diz respeito à abordagem marketing, we need to be more aggressive." It’s a transition tool that tells your listener, "Pay attention, I'm getting specific now." Think of it as a bridge between a general problem and your brilliant solution. Just remember that the à is mandatory because the verb respeitar here functions within a fixed idiomatic structure requiring the preposition a.

Formality & Register

This is a "suit and tie" phrase through and through. You’ll find it in academic papers, formal emails, news reports, and job interviews. However, it’s not so stiff that you can’t use it in a serious conversation with a friend. If you’re debating the best way to train a puppy or the right strategy for a marathon, using this phrase shows you’re taking the topic seriously. It’s very common in the corporate world—what Brazilians call "corporatês." Just maybe don't use it when you're ordering a burger at 3 AM. The cashier might think you’re about to deliver a TED Talk on the abordagem of burger flipping. In digital spaces like LinkedIn or professional Slack channels, it’s a gold star for sounding articulate. It shows you have a structured mind and a high level of language command.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you’re in a Zoom interview. The recruiter asks how you handle conflict. You could say, "I talk to people." Or, you could say, "No que diz respeito à abordagem de resolução de conflitos, eu prefiro a comunicação direta." Boom! You just sounded 40% more employable. On social media, you might see a fitness influencer saying, "No que diz respeito à abordagem nutricional, o segredo é a consistência." It shows up everywhere people want to sound like they know their stuff. From Netflix subtitles in a legal drama to a high-level gaming forum discussing the latest patch meta, it’s the hallmark of a structured mind. Even in a WhatsApp group about planning a trip, using it to discuss the budget (no que diz respeito à abordagem financeira) helps keep the chaos organized and the vibe productive.

When To Use It

Use it when you need to redirect the conversation without being rude. It’s perfect for meetings where everyone is talking in circles and you want to bring the focus back to the methodology. It’s also great for writing formal complaints—we’ve all been there with that one internet provider. If you’re writing an essay or a blog post, this phrase acts as a perfect "anchor" for a new paragraph. It’s also incredibly useful in technical fields like coding, medicine, or law, where the *method* of doing something is just as important as the thing itself. Think of it as your "professional pivot" move. It works wonders when you need to sound like the most organized person in the room, even if your desk at home is currently a disaster zone.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in extremely casual settings unless you’re being intentionally ironic. Using it with your grandma while discussing what color socks to wear might be overkill. It’s also a bit much for quick, practical text messages like "Coming?" or "Where u at?". If you use it too often in a single conversation, you might start sounding like a corporate robot or a politician avoiding a direct question. Use it like a fine spice—a little goes a long way. If you find yourself saying it three times in five minutes, maybe swap one out for a simple sobre. Your friends will appreciate the break from your "CEO energy." Remember: communication is about connection, not just showing off your C1 vocabulary!

Common Mistakes

The biggest pitfall is the preposition. Many people try to say ✗ No que diz respeito de, but that’s like trying to put diesel in an electric car. It just doesn't work. It’s always diz respeito a. Another mistake is forgetting the à (the crase). People often write ✗ a abordagem instead of à abordagem. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between looking like a pro and looking like you're still using Google Translate for everything. Finally, don't confuse abordagem with acesso. One is about *how* you do it, the other is about getting *to* it. Keep your methods and your entrances separate! Also, watch out for the spelling of respeito—don't let an extra 'i' sneak in there.

Common Variations

If you want to mix things up, you have plenty of options! Quanto à abordagem is a slightly shorter, punchier version. It’s great for emails where you want to be brief but still professional. No tocante à abordagem is very formal, almost poetic in a legal sense—it sounds like something a judge would say. In Portugal, you might hear Relativamente à abordagem more often than in Brazil. For a more modern, slightly less stiff vibe, you could use Em termos de abordagem. Knowing these variations lets you "tune" your formality level like a radio dial. You can be anything from "polite professional" to "Supreme Court justice" depending on which one you pick. It's like having a wardrobe of different suits for different occasions.

Real Conversations

Let’s look at a Slack conversation between two developers.

S

Sérgio

"The new UI looks great, but I'm worried about the load times."
A

Ana

"I agree. No que diz respeito à abordagem de carregamento, devíamos usar lazy loading."

Or a conversation between friends about a vacation:

P

Pedro

"We need to plan our trip to Lisbon."
C

Clara

"True. No que diz respeito à abordagem logística, o melhor é alugar um carro."

See how it fits? It takes a general topic (vacation, UI) and zooms into a specific problem (logistics, loading) with surgical precision. It’s a conversation lifesaver that prevents people from getting lost in the weeds. It’s the linguistic equivalent of saying "Wait, let's look at this specific part of the map."

Quick FAQ

Is it used in everyday speech? Yes, but mostly in professional or serious contexts. Is it hard to learn? The grammar (the à) is the only tricky part; the concept is simple! Can I use it in Brazil and Portugal? Absolutely, it’s universal across the Lusophone world. Is there an informal version? Yes, just use sobre. Will it make me sound smarter? Guaranteed. It’s like adding a "smart filter" to your voice. Use it wisely, and watch your Portuguese fluency level skyrocket in the eyes of others! Just remember, with great vocabulary comes great responsibility—don't use it to win every single argument with your partner.

Usage Notes

This phrase is a staple of formal and professional Portuguese. Always ensure you use the contraction 'à' before 'abordagem' and avoid the common mistake of using the preposition 'de'. Use it to sound analytical and precise in meetings or high-stakes discussions.

🎯

The Crase Secret

If you are unsure if it should be 'à', swap 'abordagem' with a masculine word like 'método'. If it becomes 'ao método', then 'abordagem' needs the 'à'!

⚠️

Don't 'De' It!

The most common mistake is saying 'respeito de'. In Portuguese, things 'dizem respeito a' something. Using 'de' is an instant giveaway that you're translating from English.

💬

The 'Abordagem Policial'

In Brazil, 'abordagem' is the specific term used for when police stop a vehicle or person. Using our phrase in this context sounds very official and news-like.

💡

The LinkedIn Boost

Start your professional summary or a post with this phrase to instantly signal a high level of education and command over the language.

Examples

10
#1 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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem de vendas, eu foco no relacionamento.

Regarding the sales approach, I focus on the relationship.

Shows the speaker is analytical about their work methods.

#2 Texting a work colleague on Slack
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem técnica, precisamos revisar o código.

Regarding the technical approach, we need to review the code.

Common in tech environments to discuss methodology.

#3 Instagram caption about fitness
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem nos treinos, a paciência é fundamental.

Regarding the approach to training, patience is key.

Used by influencers to sound more authoritative/expert.

#4 Discussing a hobby with a friend
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem tática, o nosso time foi superior.

Regarding the tactical approach, our team was superior.

Serious but casual enough for a passionate hobby discussion.

#5 At a doctor's appointment
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem terapêutica, quais são os riscos?

Regarding the therapeutic approach, what are the risks?

Formal inquiry about medical procedures.

Common grammar mistake 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>

✗ No que diz respeito de abordagem → ✓ No que diz respeito à abordagem.

Regarding the approach.

Never use 'de' after 'diz respeito'. It must be 'a' + 'a' = 'à'.

Missing crase mistake 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>

✗ No que diz respeito a abordagem → ✓ No que diz respeito à abordagem.

Regarding the approach.

The 'a' must have a back-tick because 'abordagem' is feminine.

#8 Humorous office situation
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem do café, eu prefiro extra forte!

Regarding the coffee approach, I prefer it extra strong!

Using a formal phrase for a trivial topic for comedic effect.

#9 Planning a wedding
<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>

No que diz respeito à abordagem estética, queremos algo minimalista.

Regarding the aesthetic approach, we want something minimalist.

Focusing on the 'style' or 'vibe' of an event.

#10 Serious discussion with a partner
<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="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

No que diz respeito à abordagem dos nossos problemas, precisamos de calma.

Regarding the approach to our problems, we need calm.

Used to frame a difficult conversation constructively.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct contraction

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

'Abordagem' is feminine, and 'diz respeito' requires 'a', so a + a = à.

Find and fix the preposition error

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase always uses the preposition 'a', never 'de'.

Choose the most professional sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que diz respeito à abordagem estratégica, os resultados são positivos.

This sentence uses the full formal expression correctly with the 'crase'.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Formality of 'Regarding' in Portuguese

Casual

Talking to friends over coffee.

Sobre a abordagem...

Neutral

Standard emails or blog posts.

Quanto à abordagem...

Formal

Job interviews, business meetings.

No que diz respeito à abordagem...

Legal/Academic

Lawsuits or scientific papers.

No tocante à abordagem...

Where you'll see this phrase today

Abordagem Contexts
💼

LinkedIn Post

No que diz respeito à abordagem de liderança...

📹

Zoom Interview

No que diz respeito à abordagem de projetos...

💻

Tech Slack Channel

No que diz respeito à abordagem de segurança...

🥗

Fitness Blog

No que diz respeito à abordagem de dieta...

📺

Netflix Subs

No que diz respeito à abordagem policial...

Comparison with Synonyms

Expression
No que diz respeito à Regarding the...
Quanto à As for the...
Sobre a About the...
Vibe/Nuance
Professional & Precise
Punchy & Direct
Easy & Universal

Abordagem Categories

📈

Business

  • Estratégica
  • Comercial
  • Operacional
🎨

Creative

  • Artística
  • Visual
  • Narrativa
🛠️

Technical

  • Metodológica
  • Científica
  • Sistêmica

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction Fill Blank beginner

No que diz respeito ___ abordagem, estamos prontos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

'Abordagem' is feminine, and 'diz respeito' requires 'a', so a + a = à.

Find and fix the preposition error Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

No que diz respeito de abordagem de marketing, o plano falhou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que diz respeito à abordagem de marketing, o plano falhou.

The phrase always uses the preposition 'a', never 'de'.

Choose the most professional sentence Choose advanced

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que diz respeito à abordagem estratégica, os resultados são positivos.

This sentence uses the full formal expression correctly with the 'crase'.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

You definitely can, but keep it for serious or professional topics. If you're just asking a friend what they want for dinner, it will sound hilarious or very sarcastic. Save it for when you're actually debating a 'strategy' or 'method' with someone.

Yes, the phrase is perfectly understood and used in both countries. In Portugal, you might find people using 'Relativamente a' slightly more often, but 'No que diz respeito a' remains a top-tier formal choice everywhere Portuguese is spoken.

'Abordagem' is broader; it's the 'angle' or 'perspective' you take on a problem. 'Método' is the specific, step-by-step procedure you follow. Use 'abordagem' when you want to talk about the general philosophy or strategy behind an action.

The back-tick is called a 'crase'. It indicates the contraction of the preposition 'a' (required by the phrase) and the definite article 'a' (required by the feminine noun 'abordagem'). Think of it as 'a + a = à' to keep the sentence flowing smoothly.

It is a very good alternative if you want to sound extremely formal or old-fashioned. It’s common in legal documents and high-level academic writing. However, for 99% of professional situations, 'No que diz respeito a' is the more modern and natural choice.

No, this phrase is almost always used as a transition at the beginning of a clause. It sets the stage for the information that follows. Using it at the end of a sentence would be grammatically incomplete and would leave your listeners waiting for the actual point.

In this context, 'respeito' doesn't mean 'admiration' (like respecting your elders). It comes from the verb 'respeitar' in the sense of 'pertaining to' or 'concerning'. It's about the conceptual connection between two things, not an emotional feeling of respect.

The key is to blend the 'à' into the start of 'abordagem'. It should sound like one long 'a' sound: 'ah-bor-dah-zhem'. Don't pause between the two words; let them flow together naturally like a single musical note.

Yes, you could say 'No que diz respeito ao João...' (Regarding João...), but it sounds very detached and objective. It’s better suited for topics, strategies, and concepts. Using it for people makes it sound like you're discussing them as a case study in a meeting.

Not really a direct slang version, but in very informal speech, people just say 'Tipo, na parte de...' (Like, in the part of...). But if you're at a C1 level, you definitely want to stick to the 'grown-up' version to show off your hard-earned skills.

It's slightly more common in writing (emails, reports, essays), but you will hear it frequently in professional speaking contexts like presentations, meetings, and interviews. It’s the kind of phrase that bridges the gap between 'book smart' and 'street smart'.

Yes! If you are talking about multiple approaches, it becomes 'No que diz respeito às abordagens'. Notice the 's' on both the 'às' and the 'abordagens'. The grammar must always stay in sync with the number of things you're discussing.

No, it specifically means 'regarding' or 'concerning'. If you want to say you are following or honoring an approach, you would say 'respeitando a abordagem' (using the gerund) or 'em respeito à abordagem'. The 'No que diz...' structure is strictly for introducing a topic.

English speakers often try to translate 'Regarding the' literally, which might lead to errors. Another pitfall is the word 'abordagem' itself—don't confuse it with 'boarding' a plane (which is 'embarque'). This phrase is about strategy, not travel logistics!

Yes, 'Quanto a' is a perfect synonym and is slightly shorter. Use 'No que diz respeito a' when you want to add more weight and gravitas to your statement. Use 'Quanto a' when you're moving quickly through a list of items in an email.

Absolutely! It is one of the best phrases for an academic essay. It helps you transition between different parts of your analysis smoothly. It shows the professor that you can handle complex sentence structures and formal register with ease.

Only if you use it in the wrong context, like talking to a toddler or at a loud party. In any professional, academic, or serious setting, it sounds perfectly natural and educated. It's all about matching the 'vibe' of the room you're in.

It can be used by politicians or corporate leaders to stall for time while they think of what to say next. However, for a learner, it's a 'high-value' phrase that demonstrates a high level of fluency and structural understanding of Portuguese grammar.

Related Phrases

🔄

Quanto à abordagem

synonym

As for the approach

This phrase is a slightly shorter and punchier alternative that is perfect for fast-paced professional emails.

👔

No tocante à abordagem

formal version

In regard to the approach

This is an even more formal, slightly archaic version often found in legal or very high-level academic texts.

🌍

Relativamente à abordagem

regional variant

Relating to the approach

This variation is particularly common in European Portuguese and carries a slightly more detached, clinical tone.

😊

Sobre a abordagem

informal version

About the approach

This is the 'jeans and t-shirt' version of the phrase, suitable for any casual context where the formal version would be too much.

👔

No que tange à abordagem

formal version

As it touches upon the approach

A very elegant and formal way to focus on a specific aspect of a discussion, popular in Brazilian corporate and legal circles.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!