No que diz respeito à evidências
Regarding the evidências
Literally: In that which says respect to evidences
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' specific facts.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious debate contexts.
- Signals a shift to a factual or analytical topic.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'with respect to' specific proof or information. It is used to transition a conversation toward a factual basis or a specific topic you want to analyze.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
No que diz respeito às evidências de mercado, precisamos mudar nossa estratégia.
Regarding the market evidence, we need to change our strategy.
Discussing a scientific study
No que diz respeito a evidências científicas, o estudo é conclusivo.
Regarding scientific evidence, the study is conclusive.
Playfully arguing with a friend about a missing snack
No que diz respeito à evidências de farelos no seu sofá, você é o culpado!
Regarding the evidence of crumbs on your couch, you are the guilty one!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, using this phrase in a job interview shows you have 'boa oratória' (good oratory skills), which is highly valued in corporate culture. Portuguese speakers in Portugal tend to be very strict about the 'crase'. Using it incorrectly can be seen as a sign of poor education. In formal Angolan administrative Portuguese, this phrase is common in official gazettes (Diário da República). Lawyers use this phrase to 'fatiar' (slice) an argument, dealing with facts separately from emotional appeals.
The Crase Shortcut
If you can replace the word with a masculine one (like 'fato') and it becomes 'ao', use the crase (à/às). If it stays 'a', don't use it.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing makes your text feel 'pesado' (heavy) and bureaucratic.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' specific facts.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious debate contexts.
- Signals a shift to a factual or analytical topic.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as your 'lawyer voice' in Portuguese. It is a formal bridge used to connect your current point to specific facts or proof. When you use No que diz respeito a, you are signaling that you are about to get serious and analytical. It is less about 'respecting' someone and more about 'concerning' a specific subject. It helps you pivot the conversation from general opinions to concrete data. Use it when you want to sound precise and authoritative.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for the topic you are about to discuss. For example, if you are talking about a project, you might say, No que diz respeito às evidências de sucesso... (Regarding the evidence of success...). Notice that the word a often merges with the article as to become às. It functions like a spotlight, focusing the listener's attention on one specific area of a broader discussion. It is a great way to structure a logical argument.
When To Use It
This is a C1-level expression, so it shines in professional and academic settings. Use it during a business meeting to discuss results. It is perfect for writing formal emails or essays where you need to cite sources. You can also use it in a serious debate with a friend if you want to sound playfully intellectual. It is the go-to phrase for legal contexts or when reporting findings in a scientific or social study.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very relaxed, casual settings. If you are at a bar with friends, saying No que diz respeito à cerveja... (Regarding the beer...) will make you sound like a robot or a textbook. It is too stiff for ordering food or chatting about your weekend. Using it in a romantic context might make your partner feel like they are being audited. Keep it for moments that require a bit of intellectual weight or professional distance.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, have a deep appreciation for 'juridiquês' (legal-speak). There is a cultural tendency to use longer, more complex phrases to show education and status. Using No que diz respeito a demonstrates that you have a high command of the language. It reflects a culture that values formal structure in public discourse and professional life. It’s a linguistic 'suit and tie' for your sentences.
Common Variations
You will often hear No que tange a, which is even more formal and literally means 'in what touches upon.' There is also Quanto a, which is a shorter, more neutral alternative. Relativamente a is another common way to say the same thing. If you want to be slightly more modern, you might just say Em relação a. However, No que diz respeito a remains the gold standard for formal transitions.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Be careful with the 'crase' (the back-tick accent on 'à')—it only appears if the following word is feminine and specific. In the phrase 'No que diz respeito à evidências', the grammar is slightly off; it should be 'às evidências' (plural) or 'a evidências' (general).
The Crase Shortcut
If you can replace the word with a masculine one (like 'fato') and it becomes 'ao', use the crase (à/às). If it stays 'a', don't use it.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing makes your text feel 'pesado' (heavy) and bureaucratic.
The 'None of your business' trap
Remember that 'Isso não diz respeito a você' is a polite but firm way to say 'This doesn't concern you'.
Examples
6No que diz respeito às evidências de mercado, precisamos mudar nossa estratégia.
Regarding the market evidence, we need to change our strategy.
The speaker uses the phrase to ground their suggestion in facts.
No que diz respeito a evidências científicas, o estudo é conclusivo.
Regarding scientific evidence, the study is conclusive.
Used here to introduce the basis of a scientific conclusion.
No que diz respeito à evidências de farelos no seu sofá, você é o culpado!
Regarding the evidence of crumbs on your couch, you are the guilty one!
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter adds a touch of humor.
No que diz respeito às evidências apresentadas no relatório, os custos subiram.
Regarding the evidence presented in the report, costs have risen.
A standard way to reference data in written Portuguese.
Oi! No que diz respeito às evidências que você pediu, já enviei por e-mail.
Hi! Regarding the evidence you asked for, I've already sent it by email.
Even in text, it maintains a level of professional courtesy.
No que diz respeito às evidências de que não estamos bem, precisamos conversar.
Regarding the evidence that we aren't doing well, we need to talk.
The phrase adds a layer of serious, almost clinical weight to the discussion.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da crase.
No que diz respeito _______ evidências apresentadas, o réu é inocente.
Since 'evidências' is plural and feminine, and the phrase requires the preposition 'a', the correct contraction is 'às'.
Qual frase é mais apropriada para um relatório acadêmico?
Escolha a opção mais formal:
This is the standard formal transition for academic writing.
Combine o nível de formalidade com a frase correspondente.
Relacione as colunas:
Each phrase fits a specific social context.
Complete o diálogo do tribunal.
Promotor: 'O crime foi bárbaro.' Advogado: 'Sim, mas no que diz respeito _______, não há nada contra meu cliente.'
In a general sense (any evidence), 'a evidências' (just preposition) is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo que diz respeito _______ evidências apresentadas, o réu é inocente.
Since 'evidências' is plural and feminine, and the phrase requires the preposition 'a', the correct contraction is 'às'.
Escolha a opção mais formal:
This is the standard formal transition for academic writing.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase fits a specific social context.
Promotor: 'O crime foi bárbaro.' Advogado: 'Sim, mas no que diz respeito _______, não há nada contra meu cliente.'
In a general sense (any evidence), 'a evidências' (just preposition) is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no. It should be 'às evidências' (plural) or 'a evidências' (no article). 'À' is singular.
Only if you are being sarcastic or talking about something very serious like a legal issue.
'Sobre' is 'about'. 'No que diz respeito a' is 'With respect to'. The latter is much more formal.
It means 'relation' or 'connection' in this specific grammatical construction.
Very common in news, law, and formal business meetings.
No, it must always be 'a'. 'Diz respeito a'.
Use 'Quanto a' for a slightly more natural but still professional tone.
Yes, in this context 'evidências' and 'provas' are used interchangeably.
Because it requires mastering complex syntax and the 'crase' rule, which are advanced skills.
Not really, but people might say 'Na questão de...' in a semi-formal way.
Related Phrases
No tocante a
synonymRegarding / In the matter of
A respeito de
similarAbout / Concerning
Quanto a
similarAs for
Pelo que toca a
specialized formAs far as it touches upon
