In 15 Seconds
- Connects theoretical ideas to real-world application.
- Used to pivot conversations toward logistics and execution.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or serious contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is used to transition from a theoretical idea to how it actually works in the real world. It's like saying 'when it comes down to actually doing it.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
O plano é excelente, mas relativamente à prática, precisamos de mais orçamento.
The plan is excellent, but regarding the practice, we need more budget.
Discussing a new diet with a friend
A teoria da dieta é simples, mas relativamente à prática, é difícil resistir ao pão.
The diet theory is simple, but regarding the practice, it's hard to resist bread.
Talking about learning a language
Eu entendo a gramática, mas relativamente à prática de falar, ainda fico nervoso.
I understand the grammar, but regarding the practice of speaking, I still get nervous.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, using 'Relativamente a' is a sign of good education. It is extremely common in the 'Jornal da Noite' (evening news) when experts discuss public policy. Brazilians often find 'Relativamente' a bit too formal for daily office life and might substitute it with 'Com relação à' or simply 'Na prática'. Angolan formal Portuguese retains many of the traditional structures of European Portuguese, making this phrase very common in Luanda's business districts. In Maputo, this phrase is often used in academic and NGO circles to discuss the implementation of development projects.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace it with 'Relativamente ao exercício' (masculine), then you must use 'à' (feminine).
Don't Overuse
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a legal contract. Use it once per paragraph at most.
In 15 Seconds
- Connects theoretical ideas to real-world application.
- Used to pivot conversations toward logistics and execution.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or serious contexts.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a bridge. It connects your big ideas to real-life actions. You have a plan on paper. Then you have the actual doing. This phrase helps you talk about the 'doing' part. It sounds professional but very clear. You are telling people: 'Let's get real now.' It's perfect for when theory meets reality. It grounds your conversation in the physical world.
How To Use It
You use Relativamente à prática at the start of a sentence. It sets the stage for a comparison. Usually, you mention a theory first. Then you drop this phrase to show the reality. Notice the à with the accent. This is a contraction of the preposition a and the article a. It is essential for correct grammar. If you forget the accent, it looks like a typo. Use it to pivot the conversation toward logistics or execution. It shows you are a practical thinker.
When To Use It
Use this in a business meeting. It shows you care about results. Use it when discussing a new hobby. For example, learning the guitar theory is one thing. Relativamente à prática, your fingers will hurt! It works well in academic writing too. Use it when texting a friend about a plan that sounds too complex. It helps you cut through the noise. It is great for sports coaching. You know the strategy, but how do you play?
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very casual settings. Don't use it while shouting at a football match. It sounds too 'bookish' for a rowdy bar. If you are just hanging out, use na prática instead. That is the shorter, cooler younger brother of this phrase. Also, don't use it for simple emotions. You wouldn't say 'Relativamente à prática de te amar.' That sounds like a legal contract! Keep it for skills, plans, and methods.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often balances deep intellectualism with a gritty sense of reality. There is a famous concept called desenrascar. This means 'to find a way' or improvise. Relativamente à prática is the formal way to start that conversation. It reflects a society that values education but knows life is messy. In Portugal, people love to discuss the 'why' before the 'how.' This phrase is the signal that the 'how' has finally arrived. It is a sign of a mature, grounded speaker.
Common Variations
You might hear Quanto à prática. This is almost identical. Another one is No que toca à prática. That one is a bit more 'journalistic.' If you want to be very informal, just say E a fazer? (And doing it?). But Relativamente à prática remains the gold standard for professional clarity. It makes you sound like someone who gets things done.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the 'formal/neutral' register. It is highly effective in professional environments to signal a shift from abstract discussion to concrete action. Ensure the 'à' is always accented to maintain grammatical integrity.
The Crase Rule
If you can replace it with 'Relativamente ao exercício' (masculine), then you must use 'à' (feminine).
Don't Overuse
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a legal contract. Use it once per paragraph at most.
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, 'Em relação à' is your best friend. In Portugal, 'Relativamente à' is the king of the office.
Examples
6O plano é excelente, mas relativamente à prática, precisamos de mais orçamento.
The plan is excellent, but regarding the practice, we need more budget.
Used here to bring up a realistic constraint (money).
A teoria da dieta é simples, mas relativamente à prática, é difícil resistir ao pão.
The diet theory is simple, but regarding the practice, it's hard to resist bread.
A slightly more formal way to admit a personal struggle.
Eu entendo a gramática, mas relativamente à prática de falar, ainda fico nervoso.
I understand the grammar, but regarding the practice of speaking, I still get nervous.
Commonly used by learners to describe the gap between knowledge and skill.
Relativamente à prática do novo software, achas que a equipa vai gostar?
Regarding the practice of the new software, do you think the team will like it?
Focused on the actual use of the tool.
O vídeo do YouTube parecia fácil, mas relativamente à prática, a minha sala está inundada.
The YouTube video looked easy, but regarding the practice, my living room is flooded.
The formal phrase adds a funny, ironic contrast to the disaster.
Relativamente à prática da paciência, confesso que hoje falhei.
Regarding the practice of patience, I confess that I failed today.
Used to discuss a virtue as an ongoing action.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
__________ à prática, o projeto precisa de mais investimento.
We need the adverb 'Relativamente' to start the transition phrase.
Which sentence uses the 'crase' correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The 'crase' (à) is mandatory here because it's 'a' (prep) + 'a' (article).
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Where would you most likely hear 'Relativamente à prática'?
This is a formal, professional phrase best suited for reports or meetings.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises__________ à prática, o projeto precisa de mais investimento.
We need the adverb 'Relativamente' to start the transition phrase.
Choose the correct option:
The 'crase' (à) is mandatory here because it's 'a' (prep) + 'a' (article).
Where would you most likely hear 'Relativamente à prática'?
This is a formal, professional phrase best suited for reports or meetings.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Relativamente à prática' is a connector used to introduce the topic of implementation. 'Na prática' is an adverbial phrase that describes how something actually is.
It's better not to. It sounds very stiff. Use 'Sobre...' or 'E para fazer isso...' instead.
It's a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a'. It's mandatory in this formal construction.
It is used in formal writing and news, but in spoken conversation, Brazilians prefer 'Em relação à'.
No, 'relativamente' always takes the preposition 'a'.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Relativamente à teoria' would be the counterpart.
No, but it's most common there. It can also follow a comma mid-sentence.
Yes, usually by characters who are doctors, lawyers, or high-level executives.
Yes, if you are discussing the technical side of the hobby in a serious way.
Yes, because it requires understanding of formal registers and complex connectors.
Related Phrases
No que concerne a
synonymConcerning...
Quanto a
similarAs for...
Na prática
builds onIn practice
Em teoria
contrastIn theory
