No que tange à teoria
Regarding the teoria
Literally: In that which touches to the theory
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the theory'.
- Used mainly in academic, legal, or professional settings.
- Requires the verb 'tanger' and the preposition 'a'.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'as far as the theory is concerned' or 'regarding the theory.' It is used to zoom in on a specific theoretical topic during a serious conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 7Presenting a project at work
No que tange à teoria de mercado, nosso plano é sólido.
Regarding market theory, our plan is solid.
Writing a university essay
No que tange à teoria da relatividade, os dados são claros.
As for the theory of relativity, the data is clear.
Being ironic with a friend about their 'theories'
No que tange à sua teoria de que chocolate não engorda, eu discordo.
Regarding your theory that chocolate isn't fattening, I disagree.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'No que tange a' is often associated with 'juridiquês' (legal jargon). Lawyers and judges use it extensively to sound precise and authoritative. Portuguese academics in Coimbra or Lisbon use this phrase to maintain a traditional, rigorous tone in their lectures and publications. In formal administrative contexts in these countries, the phrase is used to mirror the official Portuguese legal code inherited from the colonial era. In high-level C-suite meetings in the Lusophone world, this phrase is a 'power move' to signal intellectual competence.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the noun with a masculine one and it becomes 'ao', you need the 'crase' (à). Example: 'No que tange ao conceito' -> 'No que tange à teoria'.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing can make your text feel heavy and bureaucratic.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the theory'.
- Used mainly in academic, legal, or professional settings.
- Requires the verb 'tanger' and the preposition 'a'.
What It Means
This phrase is like a verbal tuxedo. It is a formal connector used to transition your speech toward a specific subject. When you say No que tange à teoria, you are signaling to your listener that you are about to get serious. It effectively means 'regarding' or 'with respect to.' It comes from the verb tanger, which literally means 'to touch' or 'to concern.' Think of it as pointing a spotlight directly at the theoretical part of a discussion. It is elegant, precise, and very professional.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the beginning of a sentence or a new clause. It acts as a bridge between a general topic and a specific theoretical point. You must remember the 'crase' (the back-ticked accent on à). This happens because tange requires the preposition a, and teoria is a feminine noun. If you change teoria to a masculine word like assunto, it becomes No que tange ao assunto. It is a modular phrase that makes you sound like an expert.
When To Use It
This is your go-to expression for academic environments. Use it when writing an essay or defending a thesis. It is also perfect for corporate meetings when you need to pivot the conversation. If you are debating a complex topic with friends—and you want to win—this phrase adds weight to your argument. It shows you have a high command of Portuguese grammar. It is common in legal documents, news reports, and formal speeches.
When NOT To Use It
Whatever you do, do not use this at a crowded bar. If you tell a friend, No que tange à teoria da cerveja, esta está gelada, they will probably laugh at you. It is far too stiff for casual hangouts or romantic dates. Avoid using it in text messages unless you are being intentionally ironic or funny. It can come across as pretentious if used in simple, everyday situations. Don't use it with children; they will have no idea why you are talking like a lawyer.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, have a deep respect for formal rhetoric. This stems from a long history of legalistic culture and academic tradition. Using 'juridiquês' (legal-speak) in public life is often seen as a sign of education and status. No que tange à is a classic example of this. It feels 'old world' but remains a staple in modern professional life. It reflects a culture that values structured, eloquent debate.
Common Variations
You will often hear No que diz respeito a as a direct synonym. Another common one is Quanto a, which is slightly less formal but still very useful. If you want to sound even more 'lawyer-like,' you might hear No que concerne a. All of these serve the same purpose: they help you organize your thoughts. They are the 'folders' of the Portuguese language, keeping your topics neatly separated.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it to elevate your speech in professional or academic settings, but avoid it in casual conversation to stay relatable.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the noun with a masculine one and it becomes 'ao', you need the 'crase' (à). Example: 'No que tange ao conceito' -> 'No que tange à teoria'.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing can make your text feel heavy and bureaucratic.
Examples
7No que tange à teoria de mercado, nosso plano é sólido.
Regarding market theory, our plan is solid.
Used here to sound professional and authoritative during a presentation.
No que tange à teoria da relatividade, os dados são claros.
As for the theory of relativity, the data is clear.
A standard way to introduce a scientific concept in writing.
No que tange à sua teoria de que chocolate não engorda, eu discordo.
Regarding your theory that chocolate isn't fattening, I disagree.
The formal tone is used here for comedic effect in a casual setting.
No que tange à teoria política, precisamos de novas perspectivas.
Regarding political theory, we need new perspectives.
Helps focus the debate on the theoretical framework.
No que tange à teoria do capítulo 4, estou bem confuso.
Regarding the theory in chapter 4, I'm quite confused.
Slightly formal for a text, but appropriate for academic discussion.
No que tange à teoria do afeto, sinto que mudei muito.
Regarding the theory of affection, I feel I've changed a lot.
Uses a formal structure to discuss a deeply personal or emotional topic.
No que tange à teoria do crime, a prova é insuficiente.
Regarding the theory of the crime, the evidence is insufficient.
Classic legal usage of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form (remember the crase!).
No que ______ ______ teoria, o autor está correto.
The verb is 'tange' (singular) and 'teoria' requires 'à' (preposition a + article a).
Which sentence is appropriate for a formal academic essay?
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the correct register and grammar for an academic context.
Match the phrase with its register.
Registers and Phrases
Matching the level of formality is key for B2 learners.
Complete the dialogue in a formal meeting.
Diretor: 'Precisamos discutir o novo projeto.' Gerente: 'Com certeza. No que ______ ______ estratégia, estamos prontos.'
'Estratégia' is feminine, so 'à' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo que ______ ______ teoria, o autor está correto.
The verb is 'tange' (singular) and 'teoria' requires 'à' (preposition a + article a).
Choose the best option:
This sentence uses the correct register and grammar for an academic context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the level of formality is key for B2 learners.
Diretor: 'Precisamos discutir o novo projeto.' Gerente: 'Com certeza. No que ______ ______ estratégia, estamos prontos.'
'Estratégia' is feminine, so 'à' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Relativamente à teoria' or 'No que concerne à teoria' are slightly more frequent in European Portuguese.
It's rare. You would usually say 'No que tange ao Sr. Silva' in a very formal legal context, but 'Quanto ao Sr. Silva' is better.
'Tanga' is a type of swimwear (thong) in Portuguese! 'Tange' is the correct verb conjugation. Be careful!
Yes, if the job is in law, academia, or high-level management. For a barista job, it's too much.
In this specific expression, yes. As a physical verb (to ring a bell), it is usually direct: 'Tanger o sino'.
No, it must be 'No que tange às teorias' (with crase) because the preposition 'a' is mandatory.
It is formal, but not obsolete. It is still the standard in Brazilian law and academic papers today.
Just use 'Sobre' (About).
No, it is an introductory or transitional phrase that must be followed by a noun.
Very rarely, unless the song is satirical or very intellectual (like some MPB - Música Popular Brasileira).
Related Phrases
No que diz respeito a
synonymRegarding / With respect to
No que concerne a
synonymConcerning
A respeito de
similarAbout
Quanto a
similarAs for
