In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to highlight a specific, important point.
- Commonly used in writing, news, and professional meetings.
- Acts as a verbal highlighter for your main argument.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'it is worth highlighting' or 'don't forget this important point.' It acts like a verbal highlighter for your most important arguments.
Key Examples
3 of 7In a professional email about a deadline
Ressalta-se que o prazo final é amanhã.
It is emphasized that the final deadline is tomorrow.
A news anchor reporting on weather
Ressalta-se que o risco de inundação ainda é alto.
It is emphasized that the risk of flooding is still high.
Explaining a rule to a roommate (slightly firm)
Ressalta-se que cada um deve lavar sua louça.
It should be emphasized that everyone must wash their own dishes.
Cultural Background
This expression is a staple of 'Journalese' and academic writing in Brazil and Portugal. It reflects the Latin influence on the language, where impersonal constructions are used to sound objective and intellectual. It is a key phrase for anyone looking to pass the CELPE-Bras exam or work in a Lusophone corporate environment.
The 'Se' Secret
The 'se' makes the sentence impersonal. It’s not just YOU saying it; it’s as if the fact is highlighting itself. This adds a layer of 'objective truth' to your words.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in every paragraph, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for your 'mic drop' moments to keep the impact high.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to highlight a specific, important point.
- Commonly used in writing, news, and professional meetings.
- Acts as a verbal highlighter for your main argument.
What It Means
Ressalta-se que is your go-to tool for drawing attention. It comes from the verb ressaltar, which means to stand out or bounce back. When you use this, you are telling your listener: 'Pay attention, this part matters most.' It is the linguistic equivalent of using a bold font in a conversation. You are essentially spotlighting a specific fact or idea within a larger context.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence or a new clause. It is usually followed by a fact or a necessary observation. Think of it as a bridge. You’ve been talking for a while, and now you want to land a punchy point. You drop ressalta-se que and then deliver the gold. It sounds very polished and structured. It makes you sound like someone who has their thoughts organized.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound authoritative or professional. It is perfect for emails to your boss or academic papers. You will also hear it on the news or in serious documentaries. If you are explaining a complex situation to a friend, it adds a layer of seriousness. It’s great for clarifying a misunderstanding. Use it when the detail you are about to share is the 'key' to the whole story.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this during a very casual hangout or a loud party. If you tell a friend at a bar, ressalta-se que a cerveja está gelada, they might laugh. It sounds a bit too 'robotic' for high-energy, informal moments. Don't use it for trivial things that don't actually need emphasis. It can make you sound a bit pretentious if overused in daily chitchat. Keep it for when you actually have a point to prove.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value eloquence and 'bonito' (beautiful) speech in formal settings. Using passive structures like se (the 'reflexive' part) is a hallmark of educated Portuguese. It removes the 'I' and makes the statement feel like an objective truth. It’s a classic move in Brazilian 'Redação' (essay writing) which every student learns for university entrance exams. It reflects a culture that respects formal logic and structured debate.
Common Variations
You might hear vale ressaltar que which means 'it's worth highlighting.' Another one is cabe ressaltar que, meaning 'it is fitting to highlight.' If you want to be even more direct, you can say é importante destacar que. All of these serve the same purpose: they are the 'look at this' signs of the Portuguese language. They help navigate the listener through your sea of words.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. While grammatically simple, its impact comes from its formality. Avoid using it in casual settings unless you want to sound mock-serious.
The 'Se' Secret
The 'se' makes the sentence impersonal. It’s not just YOU saying it; it’s as if the fact is highlighting itself. This adds a layer of 'objective truth' to your words.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in every paragraph, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for your 'mic drop' moments to keep the impact high.
The Essay King
In Brazil, students are taught this phrase specifically for the ENEM (National High School Exam). Using it correctly can actually help get a higher score in the writing section!
Examples
7Ressalta-se que o prazo final é amanhã.
It is emphasized that the final deadline is tomorrow.
Sets a serious tone for a critical reminder.
Ressalta-se que o risco de inundação ainda é alto.
It is emphasized that the risk of flooding is still high.
Used to deliver urgent public information.
Ressalta-se que cada um deve lavar sua louça.
It should be emphasized that everyone must wash their own dishes.
Adds weight to a household rule.
Ressalta-se que a revolução mudou o país.
It is emphasized that the revolution changed the country.
Standard academic usage to introduce a thesis point.
Ressalta-se que eu não vou embora sem comer bolo!
It must be emphasized that I am not leaving without eating cake!
Using formal language for a silly topic creates humor.
Ressalta-se que o repouso é essencial para a cura.
It is emphasized that rest is essential for the cure.
Conveys clinical importance.
Ressalta-se que sua presença é fundamental para nós.
It is emphasized that your presence is fundamental to us.
Shows that the sentiment is not just a passing thought.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to make the sentence sound professional.
___ o projeto precisa de mais investimento.
'Ressalta-se que' provides the necessary formal tone for a business context.
Which verb completes the synonym phrase 'Vale ___ que...'?
Vale ___ que a segurança vem em primeiro lugar.
'Vale ressaltar que' is a very common variation meaning 'It is worth highlighting that'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Highlighting Points
Used with friends
Ó, não esquece que...
Everyday clarity
É importante dizer que...
Professional/Academic
Ressalta-se que...
Where to use 'Ressalta-se que'
Business Email
Highlighting a contract clause
Academic Paper
Stating a research finding
TV News
Reporting a critical fact
Legal Document
Emphasizing a legal right
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ o projeto precisa de mais investimento.
'Ressalta-se que' provides the necessary formal tone for a business context.
Vale ___ que a segurança vem em primeiro lugar.
'Vale ressaltar que' is a very common variation meaning 'It is worth highlighting that'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly standard in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. It is a formal linguistic bridge used across the entire Lusophone world.
No, it almost always introduces a new thought. You say Ressalta-se que... followed by the information you want to highlight.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. If you are texting a group about a serious plan, it works, but for 'Hey, what's up?', it's too much.
É importante que is more common and slightly less formal. Ressalta-se que specifically focuses on the act of pointing something out.
Technically, if you follow it with a plural subject, some grammarians prefer Ressaltam-se, but in modern usage, Ressalta-se que is often used as a fixed expression.
It is much more common in writing. In speaking, you'll mostly hear it in speeches, presentations, or news broadcasts.
Not really. It usually follows some previous context. You highlight something *within* a topic you are already discussing.
It comes from 'saltar' (to jump). So it literally means to 'jump out again' or stand out from the background.
Not exactly a slang version, but people might say Se liga no seguinte (Pay attention to the following) in a very informal street context.
Absolutely! It’s a great phrase to use when you want to highlight a specific skill or achievement: Ressalta-se que tenho experiência em...
Related Phrases
Vale destacar que
It is worth highlighting that
Salienta-se que
It is pointed out that (very formal)
Frisa-se que
It is emphasized/stressed that
É bom lembrar que
It is good to remember that
