No que tange à evidências
Regarding the evidências
Literally: In that which touches to evidence
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' specific evidence.
- Common in legal, academic, and professional Brazilian Portuguese contexts.
- Requires careful attention to grammar and the use of the crasis.
Meaning
This phrase is a formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' a specific set of facts. It is used to transition smoothly into discussing evidence or data.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
No que tange às evidências de mercado, precisamos mudar nossa estratégia.
Regarding the market evidence, we need to change our strategy.
Writing a formal report
No que tange a evidências científicas, o estudo é conclusivo.
Regarding scientific evidence, the study is conclusive.
Texting a friend ironically
No que tange às evidências de que você me deu um bolo...
Regarding the evidence that you stood me up...
Cultural Background
In Brazil, using 'No que tange a' is often associated with 'Bacharelismo'—a cultural tendency to value formal titles and complex language as a sign of status. In Portugal, the phrase is common in administrative and bureaucratic contexts, often appearing in official government 'Diários da República'. In these Lusophone African countries, the phrase is strictly reserved for high-level diplomacy and legal documents inherited from the Portuguese system. Lawyers globally use 'Latinate' or complex connectors to ensure their arguments are segmented clearly. 'No que tange a' serves as a mental 'tab' in a file.
The 'Sobre' Test
If you can replace the whole phrase with 'Sobre' and the sentence still makes sense, you are using it correctly.
Crase Alert
Never use 'à' before a plural word like 'evidências' unless you add the 's' (às).
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' specific evidence.
- Common in legal, academic, and professional Brazilian Portuguese contexts.
- Requires careful attention to grammar and the use of the crasis.
What It Means
This expression is a sophisticated bridge in Portuguese conversation. It allows you to pivot from a general topic to a specific point. Think of it as a verbal laser pointer. You are essentially saying, 'As far as the evidence is concerned.' It sounds very professional and precise. It comes from the verb tanger, which means 'to touch' or 'to relate to.' When you use it, you signal that you are about to be analytical. It is a favorite for people who want to sound authoritative.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence or clause. It is almost always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. You must be careful with the grammar here. If the next word is feminine and plural, use às. If it is general, use a. For example, No que tange às evidências (specific) or No que tange a evidências (general). It acts as a formal prepositional phrase. You will mostly see it in writing or hear it in speeches. It is like wearing a suit for your words.
When To Use It
Use this in a business meeting to impress your boss. It is perfect for academic papers or legal documents. If you are writing a formal email to a professor, use it. It works well when you need to be objective. Use it when discussing data, research, or proof in a serious context. It helps you sound like an expert who has done their homework. If you are defending a point of view, this phrase is your best friend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while buying a beer at a bar. It sounds incredibly stiff and almost robotic in casual settings. Avoid it when texting your best friend about weekend plans. If you say this at a family dinner, your grandma might think you're a lawyer. It is too heavy for lighthearted or emotional conversations. Using it in a romantic setting might make you sound like you're filing a divorce. Keep it for the office, the classroom, or the courtroom.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a classic example of 'juridiquês' (legal-speak) in Brazil. Brazilian culture often values formal rhetoric in professional and academic life. Being able to use complex structures is seen as a sign of high education. It stems from the Latin influence on the Portuguese legal system. Lawyers in Brazil are famous for using 'tange' in almost every paragraph. It has become a bit of a meme among students who find it overly fancy. Yet, it remains a pillar of formal communication.
Common Variations
You might hear No que diz respeito a, which is very similar. Another common one is Quanto a, which is slightly less formal. If you want to be even more academic, try Relativamente a. For a simpler, everyday version, just use Sobre. No que tange a is the most 'polished' of the bunch. It implies a level of detail that the others might lack. Use it when you want to sound like the smartest person in the room.
Usage Notes
This is a high-formality expression. Be extremely careful with the crasis (the accent on 'à')—using it incorrectly is a major red flag in formal writing.
The 'Sobre' Test
If you can replace the whole phrase with 'Sobre' and the sentence still makes sense, you are using it correctly.
Crase Alert
Never use 'à' before a plural word like 'evidências' unless you add the 's' (às).
Don't be a Robot
Only use this in writing. If you say this to a waiter, they will look at you very strangely.
Examples
6No que tange às evidências de mercado, precisamos mudar nossa estratégia.
Regarding the market evidence, we need to change our strategy.
Used to transition to a data-driven point in a professional setting.
No que tange a evidências científicas, o estudo é conclusivo.
Regarding scientific evidence, the study is conclusive.
Shows an objective tone in an academic or technical context.
No que tange às evidências de que você me deu um bolo...
Regarding the evidence that you stood me up...
Using formal language in a casual text for a humorous effect.
No que tange às evidências apresentadas, o réu deve ser absolvido.
Regarding the evidence presented, the defendant should be acquitted.
Classic legal usage focusing on specific proof.
No que tange às evidências do nosso desgaste, precisamos conversar.
Regarding the evidence of our exhaustion, we need to talk.
Adds a heavy, serious tone to a personal discussion.
No que tange às evidências do erro, já estamos corrigindo o sistema.
Regarding the evidence of the error, we are already fixing the system.
Maintains professionalism while acknowledging a problem.
Test Yourself
Choose the grammatically correct way to complete the sentence in a formal report.
__________ às evidências de fraude, o diretor foi demitido.
'No que tange' is the fixed expression. The 'às' is already in the sentence, so you just need the base phrase.
Fill in the blank with the correct form (a, à, or às).
No que tange ____ evidências periciais, o laudo foi conclusivo.
'Evidências' is feminine plural, so we need the contraction of preposition 'a' + article 'as'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Where would you most likely hear 'No que tange às evidências'?
The phrase is highly formal and legalistic.
Complete the formal dialogue.
Advogado: O réu é inocente. Juiz: Mas e ________________ (regarding the evidence) encontradas no carro?
This fits the formal courtroom register perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises__________ às evidências de fraude, o diretor foi demitido.
'No que tange' is the fixed expression. The 'às' is already in the sentence, so you just need the base phrase.
No que tange ____ evidências periciais, o laudo foi conclusivo.
'Evidências' is feminine plural, so we need the contraction of preposition 'a' + article 'as'.
Where would you most likely hear 'No que tange às evidências'?
The phrase is highly formal and legalistic.
Advogado: O réu é inocente. Juiz: Mas e ________________ (regarding the evidence) encontradas no carro?
This fits the formal courtroom register perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'better', it's just more formal. Use 'sobre' for daily life and 'no que tange a' for professional documents.
Yes, e.g., 'No que tange ao réu' (Regarding the defendant). It works for any noun.
It's part of a relative clause structure: 'In that which touches...'.
Yes, it is very common in Portuguese bureaucracy and law.
Forgetting the crase or using it incorrectly before plural words.
No, that is grammatically incorrect because 'tanger' requires the preposition 'a'.
Yes, especially in formal news segments about the economy or law.
A little bit, but it's still the standard for formal writing.
Only if the email is a very formal report. Otherwise, use 'Quanto a'.
It's the 3rd person singular of 'tanger' (to touch/concern).
Related Phrases
No tocante a
synonymRegarding / In the area of
No que concerne a
synonymConcerning
Quanto a
similarAs for
Em que pese a
builds onDespite / Notwithstanding
