In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the theory'.
- Used in academic, legal, or professional Portuguese contexts.
- Combines 'no tocante' (touching upon) with a specific topic.
Meaning
A sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'as far as the theory is concerned.' It is used to pivot a conversation or text toward a specific theoretical concept.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a university seminar
No tocante à teoria da evolução, as evidências são irrefutáveis.
Regarding the theory of evolution, the evidence is irrefutable.
During a business meeting
No tocante à teoria econômica, o mercado deve reagir amanhã.
Regarding the economic theory, the market should react tomorrow.
Being sarcastic with a friend
No tocante à teoria de que você é um gênio, eu discordo.
Regarding the theory that you are a genius, I disagree.
Cultural Background
Used in formal academic papers and legal documents. Common in administrative and formal political discourse. Used to signal a transition in a thesis or dissertation. Used in high-level strategy meetings.
Use sparingly
Don't use it in every sentence. It's a 'special' tool for formal pivots.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'regarding the theory'.
- Used in academic, legal, or professional Portuguese contexts.
- Combines 'no tocante' (touching upon) with a specific topic.
What It Means
Imagine you are pointing a laser at a specific book on a shelf.
You want everyone to look exactly where you are pointing.
No tocante à teoria does exactly that in a conversation.
It means 'regarding' or 'as far as the theory is concerned.'
It is a sophisticated way to narrow your focus.
Think of it as a formal bridge between two ideas.
It helps you sound precise and intellectually organized.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of your thought.
It acts as a signpost for your listeners or readers.
If the noun is feminine like teoria, use à with the accent.
If the noun is masculine like conceito, use ao instead.
It sounds best when followed by a serious or analytical observation.
You can use it to pivot during a complex explanation.
It signals that you are moving from practice to theory.
Just remember to keep the rest of your sentence equally polished.
When To Use It
Use it when you are writing a university essay.
It is perfect for a formal business presentation or report.
Use it when debating a serious topic with colleagues.
It works well in legal documents or official emails.
You can also use it to sound jokingly posh with friends.
Imagine wearing a monocle while saying it over a craft beer.
It adds a layer of intellectual weight to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while buying fruit at the market.
Avoid it when talking to your pets or small children.
It is far too stiff for a casual date night.
Using it in a loud nightclub might get you weird looks.
If you use it too much, you might sound arrogant.
Keep it away from quick, casual text messages to your bestie.
Unless you are being sarcastic, keep it strictly professional.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often values formal and elaborate speech patterns.
In Brazil and Portugal, 'falar bonito' (speaking beautifully) is a social asset.
This phrase comes from the verb tocar, meaning to touch.
It implies that your words are 'touching' upon a specific subject.
It has deep roots in legal and academic traditions.
It reflects a society that respects hierarchy and formal education.
Using it shows you have a high level of literacy.
Common Variations
You might hear No que tange a quite often in Brazil.
No que diz respeito a is another popular formal choice.
Quanto a is a slightly simpler, more neutral version.
Relativamente a is common in European Portuguese academic writing.
Acerca de is a great alternative for formal reports.
All of these help you avoid repeating the word sobre constantly.
Variety is the spice of formal Portuguese writing.
Usage Notes
This is a B2/C1 level expression. It is highly formal and should be reserved for academic, professional, or legal contexts. Using it casually may be perceived as ironic or overly stiff.
Use sparingly
Don't use it in every sentence. It's a 'special' tool for formal pivots.
Examples
6No tocante à teoria da evolução, as evidências são irrefutáveis.
Regarding the theory of evolution, the evidence is irrefutable.
A classic academic use to introduce a scientific stance.
No tocante à teoria econômica, o mercado deve reagir amanhã.
Regarding the economic theory, the market should react tomorrow.
Used to ground a business prediction in theoretical terms.
No tocante à teoria de que você é um gênio, eu discordo.
Regarding the theory that you are a genius, I disagree.
Using formal language for a joke makes the sarcasm punchier.
No tocante à teoria aplicada no projeto, enviaremos os detalhes em breve.
Regarding the theory applied in the project, we will send details soon.
Perfect for professional correspondence.
No tocante à teoria do apego, entendo por que você age assim.
Regarding attachment theory, I understand why you act this way.
Used to bring a psychological concept into a personal talk.
Gente, no tocante à teoria do Caos, alguém entendeu a página 10?
Guys, regarding Chaos theory, did anyone understand page 10?
Semi-formal use within a group focused on learning.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
No tocante ____ teoria, precisamos de mais evidências.
Teoria is feminine singular, so we use 'à'.
Which sentence is most formal?
Choose the best option.
The phrase 'no tocante à' is the most formal of the options.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesNo tocante ____ teoria, precisamos de mais evidências.
Teoria is feminine singular, so we use 'à'.
Choose the best option.
The phrase 'no tocante à' is the most formal of the options.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, only for theoretical or abstract topics.
Related Phrases
Quanto a
synonymRegarding
Em relação a
synonymIn relation to
No que diz respeito a
synonymWith respect to
