In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
- Best used in business, legal, or academic contexts.
- Signals high-level Portuguese and professional authority.
Meaning
This is a sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'with respect to' specific facts. It is used to introduce a topic or shift focus to a particular set of circumstances in a formal setting.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a corporate meeting
No que tange aos fatos apresentados, a diretoria decidiu adiar o projeto.
Regarding the facts presented, the board decided to postpone the project.
Writing an academic paper
No que tange a fatos históricos, a análise permanece inconclusiva.
Regarding historical facts, the analysis remains inconclusive.
Texting a friend sarcastically
No que tange aos fatos do seu atraso, eu já terminei de comer!
Regarding the facts of your lateness, I've already finished eating!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, using 'No que tange a' is often associated with 'Juridiquês'—the complex language used by lawyers. It can be a sign of prestige or, if overused, a target for satire. In Portugal, the phrase is common in administrative and European Union documents. It is seen as standard formal Portuguese without the same 'prestige' baggage it has in Brazil. Across the Lusophone world, this phrase is a 'must-have' for academic writing. It helps organize complex thoughts into distinct sections. In high-level business environments in São Paulo or Rio, this phrase is used to sound 'executive' and decisive during presentations.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the noun with a masculine one and it becomes 'ao', then the feminine version needs a 'crase' (à). Example: 'No que tange ao fato' -> 'No que tange à verdade'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase more than twice in a single page of writing can make your text feel heavy and bureaucratic.
In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
- Best used in business, legal, or academic contexts.
- Signals high-level Portuguese and professional authority.
What It Means
Imagine you are wearing a tuxedo or a sharp suit. That is how this phrase feels. No que tange a is a high-level connector. It means 'as far as [something] is concerned' or 'regarding'. In this specific case, you are talking about fatos (facts). It is a bridge. It connects your previous thought to a specific piece of evidence or reality. It sounds very educated and precise. Use it when you want to show you are serious about the details.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the beginning of a sentence or a clause. It acts as a signpost. It tells your listener: 'Hey, I am now focusing on the facts.' Note a small grammar point: the word tange comes from tanger (to touch/relate to). You will usually see it followed by a or ao. For example, No que tange aos fatos (Regarding the facts). It is like pointing a laser at a specific part of a presentation. It keeps your speech organized and professional.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for the office. Use it in a business meeting when discussing a project's outcome. It is perfect for academic writing or a legal environment. If you are writing a formal email to a professor or a landlord, this phrase is gold. It shows you have a high command of the language. It is also common in news broadcasts or political debates. Basically, use it whenever you need to sound authoritative and objective.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a backyard barbecue. If you tell a friend, No que tange aos fatos da sua cerveja..., they will think you are joking or being incredibly sarcastic. It is too stiff for casual hangouts. Avoid it in text messages to your partner or when ordering food. Using it in a low-stakes environment makes you sound like a robot or a lawyer who forgot to clock out. Keep it out of the 'papo de bar' (bar talk).
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, value 'rebuscado' (refined) speech in formal contexts. There is a cultural respect for 'norma culta' (the standard formal register). Using complex connectors like no que tange a is a way to signal social status or professional competence. It stems from the heavy influence of legal and bureaucratic language in daily public life. It is the language of the 'doutores' (doctors/lawyers).
Common Variations
You will hear several cousins of this phrase. No que se refere a is a very common alternative. Quanto a is a slightly simpler version. No que diz respeito a is another heavy hitter in the formal world. If you want to be even more direct, you can just say Em relação a. However, No que tange a remains one of the most elegant ways to pivot a conversation in a boardroom.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it in writing or formal speeches. Avoid using the 'crase' (à) before masculine words like 'fatos'; the correct form is 'aos fatos' or just 'a fatos'.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the noun with a masculine one and it becomes 'ao', then the feminine version needs a 'crase' (à). Example: 'No que tange ao fato' -> 'No que tange à verdade'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase more than twice in a single page of writing can make your text feel heavy and bureaucratic.
The 'Lawyer' Effect
In Brazil, using this phrase in a debate makes you sound very prepared and serious. Use it to gain 'authority points'.
Examples
6No que tange aos fatos apresentados, a diretoria decidiu adiar o projeto.
Regarding the facts presented, the board decided to postpone the project.
Used here to link evidence to a formal decision.
No que tange a fatos históricos, a análise permanece inconclusiva.
Regarding historical facts, the analysis remains inconclusive.
A standard way to introduce a research scope.
No que tange aos fatos do seu atraso, eu já terminei de comer!
Regarding the facts of your lateness, I've already finished eating!
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter creates humor.
No que tange aos fatos ocorridos ontem, a polícia ainda busca testemunhas.
Regarding the facts that occurred yesterday, the police are still looking for witnesses.
Standard journalistic tone for reporting events.
No que tange aos fatos, você não pode negar que errou.
Regarding the facts, you cannot deny that you made a mistake.
Used to ground an argument in reality rather than emotion.
No que tange aos fatos do nosso orçamento, precisamos economizar.
Regarding the facts of our budget, we need to save money.
Adds a serious, structured tone to a household discussion.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form (a, à, ao, aos, às).
No que tange ____ fatos apresentados, a testemunha mentiu.
'Fatos' is masculine plural and definite in this context, so 'a + os = aos'.
Which sentence uses the correct register?
You are writing a formal email to a CEO. Which is best?
This is the only option that matches the formal register required for a CEO.
Match the formal phrase with its neutral equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all accurate register translations.
Complete the lawyer's statement.
Juiz: 'O que o senhor tem a dizer sobre as provas?' Advogado: 'Excelentíssimo, no que tange ____ provas, elas são inconclusivas.'
'Provas' is feminine plural and definite, so 'a + as = às'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo que tange ____ fatos apresentados, a testemunha mentiu.
'Fatos' is masculine plural and definite in this context, so 'a + os = aos'.
You are writing a formal email to a CEO. Which is best?
This is the only option that matches the formal register required for a CEO.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all accurate register translations.
Juiz: 'O que o senhor tem a dizer sobre as provas?' Advogado: 'Excelentíssimo, no que tange ____ provas, elas são inconclusivas.'
'Provas' is feminine plural and definite, so 'a + as = às'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo. 'Fatos' is masculine plural. You should say 'No que tange a fatos' (indefinite) or 'No que tange aos fatos' (definite).
Only if you are being ironic or talking to your lawyer. It's too formal for texting.
'Sobre' is 'about' (neutral/informal). 'No que tange a' is 'regarding' (very formal).
No, in this expression, 'tange' is always in the third person singular because the subject is the abstract 'no que' (in that which).
Related Phrases
No que diz respeito a
synonymRegarding / With respect to
No que concerne a
synonymConcerning
Quanto a
similarAs for
Em relação a
similarIn relation to
