B2 Expression Formal 2 min read

No que tange à reflexão

Regarding the reflexão

Literally: In that which touches to the reflection

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal way to say 'regarding the reflection' or 'concerning the thought'.
  • Used mainly in academic, professional, or very serious contexts.
  • Requires the crasis 'à' because 'reflexão' is a feminine noun.

Meaning

This is a sophisticated way to say 'as far as the reflection is concerned' or 'regarding the thought process.' It is a formal transition used to focus on a specific analysis or consideration.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Writing a university essay

No que tange à reflexão crítica, o autor propõe uma nova visão.

Regarding the critical reflection, the author proposes a new vision.

2

In a serious business meeting

No que tange à reflexão sobre os lucros, precisamos de mais dados.

Regarding the reflection on profits, we need more data.

3

Texting a friend sarcastically about a bad photo

No que tange à reflexão da minha cara no espelho, hoje está difícil.

Regarding the reflection of my face in the mirror, today is tough.

🌍

Cultural Background

Used in meetings to show authority and intellectual rigor. Common in university papers to show respect for the topic. Derived from legal language, it is a sign of a 'culto' (educated) speaker. Essential for high-stakes professional writing.

💡

Use sparingly

Don't use it in every sentence, or you will sound like a textbook.

⚠️

Check the crase

Always ensure the following noun is feminine to use 'à'.

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal way to say 'regarding the reflection' or 'concerning the thought'.
  • Used mainly in academic, professional, or very serious contexts.
  • Requires the crasis 'à' because 'reflexão' is a feminine noun.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as a formal 'zoom' button. It allows you to pivot from a general topic to a specific thought or analysis. It is high-level Portuguese that sounds very polished. You are essentially saying, 'Now, let's look at the reflection part.'

How To Use It

Place it at the start of a sentence to introduce a new specific point. It requires the preposition a. Because reflexão is a feminine noun, you must use the crasis à. It acts as a bridge between two ideas. It makes your speech flow like a professional orator.

When To Use It

Use this in academic writing or university essays. It is perfect for business meetings when discussing strategy. Use it during a serious debate or a philosophical talk. It shows you have a high command of the language. It’s great for sounding authoritative.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this while ordering a beer. It will make you sound like a lost 19th-century poet. Avoid it in casual group chats with friends. It is too stiff for a first date unless you are both philosophy professors. Don't use it for simple, everyday actions.

Cultural Background

Portuguese culture places a high value on 'rebuscado' (refined) language. Using complex connectors like this shows you are well-educated. It is a hallmark of the 'norma culta' (standard formal language). It reflects a tradition of formal rhetoric in Portuguese law and literature.

Common Variations

You can use No que tange ao for masculine nouns. A very common synonym is No que diz respeito à. For a slightly shorter version, try Quanto à. If you want to sound even more legalistic, use No que se refere à.

Usage Notes

This is a high-register expression. Be careful with the crasis (à); omitting it is a common mistake even for native speakers in formal writing.

💡

Use sparingly

Don't use it in every sentence, or you will sound like a textbook.

⚠️

Check the crase

Always ensure the following noun is feminine to use 'à'.

🎯

Pair with analysis

This phrase is best used when you are about to give a deep, analytical thought.

💬

Formal settings

Save this for the boardroom or the classroom.

Examples

6
#1 Writing a university essay

No que tange à reflexão crítica, o autor propõe uma nova visão.

Regarding the critical reflection, the author proposes a new vision.

Standard academic usage to introduce a specific section of analysis.

#2 In a serious business meeting

No que tange à reflexão sobre os lucros, precisamos de mais dados.

Regarding the reflection on profits, we need more data.

Used here to pivot the discussion toward financial analysis.

#3 Texting a friend sarcastically about a bad photo

No que tange à reflexão da minha cara no espelho, hoje está difícil.

Regarding the reflection of my face in the mirror, today is tough.

Using a very formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.

#4 Discussing a deep movie with a partner

No que tange à reflexão sobre a vida, esse filme me tocou muito.

Regarding the reflection on life, this movie touched me deeply.

Used to introduce an emotional or philosophical point.

#5 A lawyer presenting an argument

No que tange à reflexão dos fatos, a prova é clara.

Regarding the reflection of the facts, the evidence is clear.

Very common in legal contexts to weigh evidence.

#6 A teacher explaining a concept

No que tange à reflexão da luz, o ângulo é fundamental.

Regarding the reflection of light, the angle is fundamental.

Here it is used in a scientific sense (physics).

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form.

___ à reflexão, precisamos de mais dados.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange

The verb is 'tanger' and the crase is already provided in the prompt.

Select the most formal option.

Which sentence is the most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange à reflexão, é vital.

The other options are too casual or neutral.

Match the phrase to its meaning.

Match 'No que tange à reflexão' to the correct meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Regarding the reflection

The phrase is a transition marker.

Complete the dialogue.

A: O que acha do plano? B: _____, acho que falta análise.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange à reflexão

It fits the formal context of the dialogue.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form. Fill Blank B2

___ à reflexão, precisamos de mais dados.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange

The verb is 'tanger' and the crase is already provided in the prompt.

Select the most formal option. Choose B2

Which sentence is the most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange à reflexão, é vital.

The other options are too casual or neutral.

Match the phrase to its meaning. Match B1

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Regarding the reflection

The phrase is a transition marker.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion C1

A: O que acha do plano? B: _____, acho que falta análise.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange à reflexão

It fits the formal context of the dialogue.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

12 questions

Yes, if it is a formal business or academic email.

Yes, especially in professional and legal contexts.

Because 'tanger' requires the preposition 'a' and 'reflexão' is feminine.

Yes, but you must use 'ao' instead of 'à'.

Yes, it is very formal. Avoid in casual speech.

'Quanto a' is slightly more neutral.

Only if you are being ironic or very formal.

Yes, it is standard in formal European Portuguese.

It is incorrect. Always use 'tange'.

No, you can use any noun.

No, it is a prepositional phrase.

Write formal sentences and check your grammar.

Related Phrases

🔄

No que diz respeito

synonym

Regarding

🔗

Quanto a

similar

As for

🔄

No tocante a

synonym

Regarding

🔗

Em relação a

similar

In relation to

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