No tocante à questão

You place this phrase at the start of a sentence or a clause. It acts as a bridge. For example, if you are discussing a trip, you might say: No tocante à questão do transporte, vamos de trem. This translates to: 'Regarding the matter of transport, we are going by train.' Notice how the à uses a grave accent. This is because it combines the preposition a with the feminine article a. It is a small detail that makes you look like a pro.

Use this when you want to sound professional or serious. It is perfect for business meetings or academic writing. It also works well in news reports or legal discussions. If you are writing a formal email to a landlord about a leak, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you mean business. You can also use it in a debate to sound more persuasive. It gives your argument a structured, logical feel.

Avoid this phrase at a loud party or a casual barbecue. If you tell a friend, No tocante à questão da cerveja, acabou, they might think you’ve swallowed a dictionary. It is too stiff for intimate settings. Don't use it with children or pets; they won't appreciate the linguistic flair. Stick to simpler words like sobre or quanto a for everyday chit-chat. Using it too much can make you sound a bit pretentious, like a politician giving a press conference.

Portuguese speakers take pride in their rich, formal vocabulary. This expression comes from a tradition of 'Cartorial' language—the style used in official documents and law. In Brazil and Portugal, being able to speak 'properly' is often linked to education and social status. It reflects a culture that values rhetoric and the art of conversation. Even if people don't use it daily, everyone recognizes it as a sign of a high-level speaker.

You will often hear No que tange a as a direct synonym. It means exactly the same thing but uses a different verb. Another common one is Quanto à questão. If you want to be slightly less formal, you can just say Em relação a. All of these help you navigate different levels of formality. Just remember to match your choice to the room you are in!