Concernir

Concernir is a verb found in Spanish and Portuguese with the core meaning to concern, pertain to, or affect. It is used to indicate that a matter is relevant to a person or group, or that something involves or touches someone in some way. In both languages, the nuance is closer to “to be of concern” or “to pertain,” rather than to the emotional sense of worry, and the register is often formal or neutral.

Etymology and cognates

Concerns in Spanish and Portuguese derive from Latin con- (together) and cernere (to perceive, discern). The verb has cognates in other Romance languages, such as French concerner and Italian concernere/concernire, reflecting a shared lineage. In each language, the form and usage align with standard patterns for -ir verbs, with distinct present tense forms and impersonal constructions.

Usage

In Spanish, concierne is commonly used in impersonal and formal contexts, for example with subjects that affect a group: “Este asunto concierne a la dirección.” The negative or reflexive sense appears in phrases like “No me concierne.” In Portuguese, similar meaning is conveyed by assim “concerne,” as in “Essa decisão me concerne,” often used to indicate personal relevance or responsibility, and “Essa questão não me concerne” to deny relevance.

See also

The verb functions as a direct counterpart to the English “to concern” and shares Romance-language cognates such as French concerner and Italian concernere. It is typically contrasted with verbs meaning “to worry” (in romance languages, more emotional in tone) and with verbs for “to interest” when the nuance is more personal or subjective.