No tocante à argumentos
Regarding the argumentos
Literally: In the touching to arguments
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'as for'.
- Best used in professional, academic, or legal contexts.
- Helps pivot the conversation to a specific sub-topic.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'as for' when you want to focus on a specific point. It’s like using a laser pointer to highlight one part of a conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
No tocante aos argumentos financeiros, precisamos revisar o orçamento.
Regarding the financial arguments, we need to revise the budget.
Writing a formal email
No tocante à sua solicitação, daremos um retorno em breve.
Regarding your request, we will provide feedback soon.
In a university debate
No tocante a argumentos lógicos, sua tese é muito forte.
Regarding logical arguments, your thesis is very strong.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is often associated with 'Juridiquês'—the overly complex language used by lawyers to sound more important. It can sometimes be viewed with suspicion by the general public as a way to hide simple truths. In Portugal, the phrase is common in administrative and governmental speech. It is part of the standard 'Linguagem Administrativa' taught to civil servants to ensure clarity and formality in official documents. In formal African Lusophone contexts, this phrase is used in diplomatic and official state media to maintain a high level of decorum, reflecting the Portuguese colonial administrative legacy. In the modern startup world in São Paulo or Lisbon, this phrase is being replaced by 'Em termos de' or 'Sobre', as companies move toward a more 'Americanized', direct communication style.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the word with 'homem' and it becomes 'ao homem', use the crase (à). If it stays 'a homem', no crase.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing makes you sound like a parody of a lawyer.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding' or 'as for'.
- Best used in professional, academic, or legal contexts.
- Helps pivot the conversation to a specific sub-topic.
What It Means
No tocante a is a formal connector used to introduce a specific subject. It functions exactly like 'regarding' or 'with respect to' in English. When you use it, you are signaling to your listener that you are shifting focus. You are moving from a general discussion to a specific detail. It sounds very polished and professional. It’s a great way to show you have a high command of the language.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence or a new clause. Think of it as a bridge. It connects what you were saying to the specific topic you want to address now. In the phrase No tocante a argumentos, you are specifically addressing the points or reasons someone has made. Note that argumentos is masculine. So, technically, you should say No tocante aos argumentos if you mean 'the' arguments. If you use à, it’s usually for feminine words like No tocante à questão.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for office life. Use it in formal emails to your boss. Use it during a presentation to pivot between slides. It’s also perfect for academic writing or legal discussions. If you are in a serious debate with a friend about politics or movies, dropping this phrase will make you sound like an expert. It adds a layer of authority to your speech. It says, 'I am being precise and organized.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a loud bar with friends. It will sound incredibly stiff and awkward. Imagine saying 'Regarding the beer' instead of 'About the beer.' Your friends might think you're joking or being sarcastic. Avoid it in casual texts or when talking to children. It’s too heavy for lighthearted moments. If you’re just asking someone what they want for dinner, stick to E sobre... or Quanto a... instead.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers, especially in Brazil and Portugal, value formal rhetoric in professional settings. There is a long tradition of using 'lawyer-speak' even outside of courtrooms. This phrase comes from that bureaucratic and legal heritage. It’s part of a toolkit of expressions that make speech feel 'elegant.' Using it correctly shows you respect the formality of the situation. It’s a sign of education and social awareness in the Luso-world.
Common Variations
You will often hear No que tange a which is almost identical. Another common one is Quanto a, which is slightly less formal but very common. If you want to be even more formal, you might hear No que diz respeito a. All of these serve the same purpose: they are road signs for your conversation. They tell the listener exactly where the discussion is headed next.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level connector. Use it to transition between topics in formal speech. Be careful with gender agreement: 'No tocante a' + 'o' = 'No tocante ao'.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace the word with 'homem' and it becomes 'ao homem', use the crase (à). If it stays 'a homem', no crase.
Don't Overuse
Using this more than twice in a single page of writing makes you sound like a parody of a lawyer.
Bolsonaro Meme
In Brazil, be aware that some people might associate this phrase with the former president's speech style.
Examples
6No tocante aos argumentos financeiros, precisamos revisar o orçamento.
Regarding the financial arguments, we need to revise the budget.
Here, it professionally directs the team's attention to the money aspect.
No tocante à sua solicitação, daremos um retorno em breve.
Regarding your request, we will provide feedback soon.
Standard polite business correspondence.
No tocante a argumentos lógicos, sua tese é muito forte.
Regarding logical arguments, your thesis is very strong.
Used to acknowledge a specific point in an academic setting.
No tocante à sua demora, já terminei de comer sozinho!
Regarding your lateness, I've already finished eating alone!
The formality is used here to mock the friend's behavior.
No tocante ao nosso futuro, sinto que precisamos conversar seriamente.
Regarding our future, I feel we need to talk seriously.
Adds weight and seriousness to a heavy conversation.
No tocante aos sintomas, eles começaram na semana passada.
Regarding the symptoms, they started last week.
Helps the patient organize their explanation for the doctor.
Test Yourself
Escolha a opção gramaticalmente correta para completar a frase formal.
No tocante _________ novos projetos, a empresa investirá milhões.
'Projetos' is masculine plural, so we need 'a' + 'os' = 'aos'.
Preencha com 'à', 'ao', 'aos' ou 'a'.
No tocante ____ (1) educação, o governo falhou. No tocante ____ (2) argumentos do senador, não houve consenso.
(1) Educação is feminine singular (a + a = à). (2) Argumentos is masculine plural (a + os = aos).
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
Frase: 'No tocante à sua solicitação, informamos que o pedido foi deferido.'
A frase é extremamente formal e usa termos técnicos como 'deferido'.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Juiz: 'O réu tem algo a dizer?' Advogado: 'Sim, Meritíssimo. No tocante ___________, meu cliente é inocente.'
'Provas' is feminine plural, requiring 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal 'About'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo tocante _________ novos projetos, a empresa investirá milhões.
'Projetos' is masculine plural, so we need 'a' + 'os' = 'aos'.
No tocante ____ (1) educação, o governo falhou. No tocante ____ (2) argumentos do senador, não houve consenso.
(1) Educação is feminine singular (a + a = à). (2) Argumentos is masculine plural (a + os = aos).
Frase: 'No tocante à sua solicitação, informamos que o pedido foi deferido.'
A frase é extremamente formal e usa termos técnicos como 'deferido'.
Juiz: 'O réu tem algo a dizer?' Advogado: 'Sim, Meritíssimo. No tocante ___________, meu cliente é inocente.'
'Provas' is feminine plural, requiring 'a' + 'as' = 'às'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but do not use a crase. Example: 'No tocante a viajar, prefiro o trem.'
It depends on the noun. Use 'à' for feminine singular nouns with an article, and 'a' for nouns without an article or masculine nouns.
Yes, it is very common in formal Portuguese writing and official government communications.
Using the crase before masculine words, like 'No tocante à argumentos'.
Neither is better; they are interchangeable formal synonyms.
Only if you are being ironic or talking to a lawyer about a serious matter.
No, it is part of a fixed expression and remains singular.
Use 'Sobre' or 'Falar de'.
Yes, especially in 19th and 20th-century realistic literature (e.g., Machado de Assis).
Slightly, but it is still the standard for formal and legal writing.
Related Phrases
No que tange a
synonymRegarding / In what concerns
Quanto a
similarAs for
Relativamente a
similarRelatively to
Acerca de
similarAbout / Concerning
Em que pese
contrastDespite / Notwithstanding
Sob o prisma de
specialized formUnder the prism/viewpoint of
