professional matter
[prə-ˈfe-shə-nəl ˈma-tər]
noun phrasepl: professional matters
assunto profissional
1. A topic, issue, or concern related to one's occupation, career, or business
We should discuss this professional matter during business hours, not at the social event.
Devemos discutir este assunto profissional durante o horário comercial, não no evento social.
2. Something that requires expertise or specialized knowledge within a particular field or industry
The hiring decision is a professional matter that should be handled by Human Resources.
A decisão de contratação é um assunto profissional que deve ser tratado pelo departamento de Recursos Humanos.
3. A business-related problem or situation that needs attention and resolution
I prefer to keep our conversation focused on professional matters rather than personal gossip.
Prefiro manter nossa conversa focada em assuntos profissionais e não em fofocas pessoais.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, 'professional matter' is used to establish boundaries between work and personal life. In Brazil, there is often a more relaxed attitude toward mixing professional and personal relationships, but the term still serves to redirect conversations back to business topics when needed. In the US corporate environment, maintaining professional distance is more formally emphasized, making this phrase more frequently used as a boundary-setting tool.
Related Idioms & Phrases
to keep things professional
to separate business from pleasure
keep it strictly business
a matter of professional courtesy
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