No que tange à pesquisa

Grammar alert: the à has a tiny accent. This is called a 'crase.' It happens because tange requires the preposition a. Since pesquisa is a feminine word (a pesquisa), they merge. If you talk about a masculine word, use ao. For example, no que tange ao projeto. You place this phrase at the start of a sentence. It sets the stage for your next point. Think of it as a fancy entrance for your main idea. Don't worry, even natives forget the accent sometimes. But you? You are a pro. You will nail it every time.

This is not for the beach. Do not use this while ordering a beer. This phrase lives in offices and universities. It is 'formal' or even 'very formal.' Use it in business emails or LinkedIn articles. It is perfect for a Zoom presentation. It makes you sound prepared and educated. Using it at a barbecue would be weird. Your friends might think you swallowed a dictionary. Keep it for moments that require a tie. Or at least a very nice shirt. It is the linguistic equivalent of a firm handshake.

You will see this in Netflix subtitles. Specifically, in legal dramas or historical series. It appears in the fine print of contracts. Journalists love it for political reports. If you read a Brazilian newspaper, it's everywhere. Look for it in the 'Abstract' of research papers. Even corporate 'Slack' channels use it sometimes. Usually, when the boss is being serious. It is the star of formal academic writing. You might hear it in a TED talk. It helps the speaker transition between complex slides. It keeps the audience focused on the current topic.

Use it during a job interview. It shows you have a high-level vocabulary. Use it when writing a formal report. It is great for responding to a professor. Use it when debating a serious topic online. It makes your argument look more valid. Use it to separate different sections of a talk. It is a perfect transition for PowerPoint. Use it when you need to be precise. It leaves no room for ambiguity. It tells people exactly what you are addressing. It is a shield against being misunderstood.

Avoid it in a WhatsApp group with friends. It will sound like a joke. Don't use it with your grandma. Unless she is a very formal linguist. Never use it in a romantic text message. It's a total mood killer. 'No que tange ao meu amor por você' sounds robotic. Avoid it at the gym or grocery store. It is too heavy for casual small talk. If you use it too much, you sound pretentious. Use it like a strong spice. A little goes a very long way. Keep it special, keep it powerful.

This is the most common error. Forgetting the 'crase' is a classic mistake.

Remember, tange always needs the a.

Don't mix it up with falar de.

Some people try to use it with people.

It is better for abstract topics or things. Using it for people feels a bit cold. Like you are studying them under a microscope.

If you want a change, try Quanto a. It is slightly less formal but still great. No que diz respeito a is a perfect synonym. It is just as fancy and elegant. Em relação a is the most common version. You can use it almost anywhere. Relativamente a is another high-level alternative. It sounds very European Portuguese. No tocante a is the old-school cousin. It's very rare but very cool. You can also just say Sobre. That is the 'jeans and t-shirt' version. Use Sobre when you want to be quick.

Is it okay for emails? Yes, it's perfect for business. Can I use it in Portugal? Yes, they love it there. Is it 'slang'? Definitely not, stay away from the streets with this. Does it mean 'touch'? Yes, etymologically, but here it means 'relate'. Is it hard to learn? Just remember the à and you are fine. Can I use it on TikTok? Only if you are making an educational video. It's the 'big brain' energy of the Portuguese language. Now go out there and sound sophisticated!