In 15 Seconds
- Use it to address a specific comment or feedback.
- Perfect for professional emails and structured meetings.
- Shows you are organized and attentive to details.
Meaning
This phrase is a transition tool used to pivot a conversation toward a specific detail or comment previously made. It's like saying 'As for that note' or 'Regarding that specific point' to keep the discussion organized.
Key Examples
3 of 6Responding to a boss's email
Quanto à observação sobre os prazos, concordo plenamente.
Regarding the observation about the deadlines, I fully agree.
Discussing a friend's advice
Quanto à observação que você fez sobre meu carro, vou levá-lo ao mecânico.
As for the observation you made about my car, I'll take it to the mechanic.
In a university seminar
Quanto à observação do professor, gostaria de acrescentar um ponto.
Regarding the professor's observation, I would like to add a point.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian business culture, 'Quanto à observação' is often used to 'soften' a disagreement. By acknowledging the observation first, the speaker shows they have listened before presenting a counter-argument. In Portugal, formality is strictly maintained in academic and legal settings. Using this phrase is almost mandatory when replying to official correspondence to maintain 'decoro' (decorum). In Angolan administrative language, this phrase is a staple of 'burocracia'. It is used to link different parts of an official 'ofício' (formal letter). In Mozambican universities, students are taught to use these discourse markers to ensure their academic writing meets international Lusophone standards.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace 'Quanto à' with 'Quanto ao' for a masculine word (like 'Quanto ao comentário'), then the 'à' must have an accent.
Don't Overuse
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a legal document. Mix it up with 'Sobre' or 'Em relação a'.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to address a specific comment or feedback.
- Perfect for professional emails and structured meetings.
- Shows you are organized and attentive to details.
What It Means
Quanto à observação is your go-to bridge for focusing on a specific detail. It signals to your listener that you are addressing a particular remark or note. Think of it as a mental highlighter. You use it to pluck one idea out of a larger conversation. It makes you sound organized and attentive. It essentially means "regarding the comment" or "about that point."
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence. It sets the stage for your response. Follow it immediately with your opinion or an answer. In Portuguese, the à is a contraction of a (to/regarding) and a (the). This little accent mark is crucial for grammar lovers. Use it when someone gives you feedback or makes a suggestion. It shows you aren't just talking; you're actually listening.
When To Use It
Use it in professional emails when replying to specific feedback. It works great in academic settings or meetings. You can also use it in serious personal conversations. For example, if a friend critiques your cooking, start with this phrase. It adds a layer of politeness and structure. It’s perfect for when things get a bit complex. It helps prevent the conversation from becoming a messy soup of ideas.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in super casual, fast-paced environments. Don't use it while shouting over loud music at a club. It will make you sound like a professor at a party. Also, don't use it if no actual "observation" was made. If you just want to change the subject entirely, use mudando de assunto. Using Quanto à observação for a brand new topic is a bit confusing. It implies a connection to something already said.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value clear communication in formal settings. However, they also love a bit of flair. This phrase comes from a tradition of structured rhetoric. It reflects a culture that appreciates intellectual engagement. Even in modern times, using such phrases shows you are educated. It’s a subtle way to command respect in a room. It says, "I am precise and I value your input."
Common Variations
You might hear Em relação à observação for more variety. Both mean essentially the same thing. If you want to be even more formal, try No que tange à observação. For a more relaxed vibe, you could just say Sobre o que você disse. But Quanto à remains the gold standard for clarity. It’s the Swiss Army knife of transitional phrases.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'Formal' to 'Neutral' range. In spoken Portuguese, it's used to add weight to a response. In written form, it's a standard transition for reports and emails. Watch out for the 'crase' (à)—forgetting it is a common mistake for native speakers too!
The Crase Rule
If you can replace 'Quanto à' with 'Quanto ao' for a masculine word (like 'Quanto ao comentário'), then the 'à' must have an accent.
Don't Overuse
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a legal document. Mix it up with 'Sobre' or 'Em relação a'.
Examples
6Quanto à observação sobre os prazos, concordo plenamente.
Regarding the observation about the deadlines, I fully agree.
Professional way to acknowledge feedback.
Quanto à observação que você fez sobre meu carro, vou levá-lo ao mecânico.
As for the observation you made about my car, I'll take it to the mechanic.
Shows you took their specific advice seriously.
Quanto à observação do professor, gostaria de acrescentar um ponto.
Regarding the professor's observation, I would like to add a point.
Respectful way to build on a teacher's comment.
Quanto à observação da limpeza, vamos conversar hoje à noite?
Regarding the observation about the cleaning, shall we talk tonight?
Used to address a specific tension point politely.
Quanto à observação de que eu falo demais... bem, talvez você tenha razão!
As for the observation that I talk too much... well, maybe you're right!
Self-deprecating humor using a formal structure.
Quanto à observação sobre nossa rotina, eu sinto que precisamos mudar.
Regarding the observation about our routine, I feel we need to change.
Used to focus on a specific emotional concern.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'Quanto a' + article.
________ observação feita pelo diretor, concordo plenamente.
'Observação' is a feminine singular noun, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal business email?
You want to address a specific point in a client's feedback.
This option uses the correct formal register and the phrase 'Quanto à observação'.
Complete the dialogue with the most professional response.
Professor: 'Seu artigo tem alguns erros de citação.' Aluno: '________________, vou revisá-las agora mesmo.'
This is the most precise and formal way to pivot to the specific feedback given.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises________ observação feita pelo diretor, concordo plenamente.
'Observação' is a feminine singular noun, so 'a' (preposition) + 'a' (article) = 'à'.
You want to address a specific point in a client's feedback.
This option uses the correct formal register and the phrase 'Quanto à observação'.
Professor: 'Seu artigo tem alguns erros de citação.' Aluno: '________________, vou revisá-las agora mesmo.'
This is the most precise and formal way to pivot to the specific feedback given.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine article 'a'.
Only if you want to sound funny or very serious. It's usually too formal for casual talk.
It depends on the next word. If it's feminine singular (like observação), use 'à'.
It's equivalent to 'As for the observation' or 'Regarding the remark'.
Related Phrases
No que diz respeito a
synonymRegarding / With respect to
Relativamente a
similarRelatively to
No tocante a
specialized formRegarding / Touching upon
A respeito de
synonymAbout / Concerning
