No que tange à princípios
Regarding the princípios
Literally: In that which touches to principles
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' principles.
- Best used in academic, legal, or high-level business contexts.
- Signals that you are discussing core values or foundational rules.
Meaning
This is a sophisticated way to say 'when it comes to' or 'regarding' specific values or rules. It's a formal bridge used to introduce a topic with a bit of intellectual flair.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting about ethics
No que tange a princípios éticos, nossa empresa não abre mão da transparência.
Regarding ethical principles, our company does not compromise on transparency.
Writing a university essay on law
No que tange a princípios constitucionais, a liberdade é fundamental.
Regarding constitutional principles, freedom is fundamental.
Discussing house rules with a roommate
No que tange a princípios de limpeza, você esqueceu a louça de novo.
When it comes to the principles of cleaning, you forgot the dishes again.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, using 'No que tange a' is often associated with 'Juridiquês'—the complex language used by lawyers. While it sounds professional, there is a growing movement to simplify this language so that common citizens can understand legal proceedings. Portuguese speakers in Portugal tend to use formal connectors like 'No que tange a' or 'No que concerne a' more naturally in professional settings without it necessarily sounding 'pretentious'. It is a standard part of the 'cultivated' norm. In Lusophone universities, this phrase is a staple of academic writing. Students are often taught to use it to structure their arguments and show they have mastered the formal register of the language. In big Brazilian corporations (especially in São Paulo), there is a mix of 'Business English' and traditional formal Portuguese. 'No que tange a' is used when the speaker wants to sound serious and avoid 'slang' or 'Anglicisms'.
The Masculine Rule
If you are using 'princípios', remember: it's 'a princípios' or 'aos princípios'. Never 'à princípios'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase more than once in a short email makes you sound like you're trying to hide something behind big words.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'concerning' principles.
- Best used in academic, legal, or high-level business contexts.
- Signals that you are discussing core values or foundational rules.
What It Means
No que tange a princípios is a high-level connector. It functions exactly like 'regarding' or 'concerning' in English. The verb tanger literally means 'to touch' or 'to concern.' When you use this phrase, you're telling your listener that you are about to address the core values or foundational rules of a situation. It’s elegant, precise, and very professional. It signals that you aren't just talking about surface details. You are digging into the 'why' and the 'how' of the matter.
How To Use It
You will usually find this phrase at the beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for your main point. Think of it as a spotlight. You use it to shine a light on the specific area of 'principles.' Note a small grammatical trap: in standard Portuguese, we don't use the grave accent (à) before masculine words like princípios. You should say No que tange a princípios or No que tange aos princípios. It’s a heavy-duty phrase, so use it to introduce serious thoughts or arguments.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for formal writing. Use it in university essays, business reports, or legal documents. It’s also great for job interviews when you want to sound polished. If you are debating a serious topic with friends—like politics or ethics—this phrase gives your argument more weight. It shows you have a strong command of the language. In a meeting, use it to pivot from logistics to the bigger picture of company values.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while buying bread at the bakery. If you say this to the cashier, they might think you’re a lost lawyer. It is far too stiff for casual hangouts or texting your best friend about weekend plans. Avoid it in emotional outbursts or when you need to be brief. It’s a 'slow' phrase that requires a formal environment to breathe. Using it in a casual setting makes you sound 'empolado' (pompous or stuffed shirt).
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, have a deep respect for 'juridiquês'—the language of law. Even people who aren't lawyers often use formal structures to show education. This phrase stems from a Latin-influenced tradition of academic rhetoric. It’s part of a toolkit of expressions that make a speaker seem more authoritative. It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a well-tailored suit to a gala.
Common Variations
You might hear No que tange ao followed by other nouns. For example, No que tange ao orçamento (Regarding the budget). Other synonyms include No que diz respeito a or Quanto a. If you want to be slightly less formal but still professional, Em relação a is a safe bet. However, tange remains the king of academic and legal transitions.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Be careful with the preposition 'a'—do not use a grave accent (crase) before masculine words. It is best reserved for situations where you want to appear highly professional or intellectual.
The Masculine Rule
If you are using 'princípios', remember: it's 'a princípios' or 'aos princípios'. Never 'à princípios'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this phrase more than once in a short email makes you sound like you're trying to hide something behind big words.
The Lawyer Vibe
In Brazil, this phrase is the quickest way to sound like a lawyer. Use it if you want to be taken very seriously in a dispute.
Examples
6No que tange a princípios éticos, nossa empresa não abre mão da transparência.
Regarding ethical principles, our company does not compromise on transparency.
Here it establishes a firm professional stance.
No que tange a princípios constitucionais, a liberdade é fundamental.
Regarding constitutional principles, freedom is fundamental.
Standard use in academic or legal writing.
No que tange a princípios de limpeza, você esqueceu a louça de novo.
When it comes to the principles of cleaning, you forgot the dishes again.
Using such a formal phrase for a chore makes it sound funny and sarcastic.
No que tange aos princípios do projeto, precisamos revisar o escopo.
Regarding the principles of the project, we need to revise the scope.
Formal but appropriate for a serious work-related text.
No que tange a princípios morais, eu espero que você seja sempre honesto.
When it comes to moral principles, I expect you to always be honest.
Adds a layer of gravity to a serious talk.
No que tange a princípios de saúde, decidi cortar o açúcar.
Regarding health principles, I decided to cut out sugar.
Makes a personal choice sound like a well-thought-out philosophy.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (a, à, aos, às).
No que tange ___ princípios de convivência, devemos ser tolerantes.
Use 'a' for a general sense before a masculine plural noun. 'Aos' would also be correct if referring to specific principles previously mentioned, but 'a' is the standard for general principles.
Qual frase está em um registro adequado para um jantar com amigos?
Você quer falar sobre a viagem.
All other options are too formal for a casual dinner with friends.
Complete a fala do advogado.
Cliente: 'O juiz vai aceitar o argumento?' Advogado: '__________, acredito que sim.'
'Lei' is feminine, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
'No que tange a princípios éticos...'
This high level of formality is typical of corporate or legal documents.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo que tange ___ princípios de convivência, devemos ser tolerantes.
Use 'a' for a general sense before a masculine plural noun. 'Aos' would also be correct if referring to specific principles previously mentioned, but 'a' is the standard for general principles.
Você quer falar sobre a viagem.
All other options are too formal for a casual dinner with friends.
Cliente: 'O juiz vai aceitar o argumento?' Advogado: '__________, acredito que sim.'
'Lei' is feminine, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
'No que tange a princípios éticos...'
This high level of formality is typical of corporate or legal documents.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in meaning, but the register is completely different. 'Sobre' is neutral/informal, while 'No que tange a' is very formal.
Only if you are being ironic or talking to your lawyer about a very serious matter.
Because 'princípios' is a masculine noun, and 'à' is only used before feminine nouns.
No, it stays singular because it's part of a fixed impersonal expression.
Both are excellent. 'No que diz respeito a' is slightly more common in modern professional writing.
Yes, it's a very common way to start a paragraph in a formal essay.
Yes, it is widely used in Portugal in formal and academic contexts.
It literally means 'to touch' or 'to ring' (like a bell).
Only in very formal presentations or high-level board meetings.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'Quanto a mim' or 'No que me diz respeito'.
Related Phrases
No que diz respeito a
synonymRegarding / With respect to
No que concerne a
synonymConcerning
No tocante a
synonymIn regard to
Quanto a
similarAs for / About
