When you're trying to describe a large, open area, especially outside of a city, the word you're looking for is campo. Think of a field of grass, a rural area, or even a sports field. It's a versatile word that covers a lot of ground, literally!
For example, if you're talking about a place where cows graze, you'd use campo. If you're going for a walk in the countryside, you're going to the campo. It's also used for things like a soccer field, which would be a campo de futebol.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Portuguese word campo (pronounced: KAHM-poo) is a super useful noun that you'll hear a lot, especially when people are talking about being outside the city. At its most basic, campo means 'field' or 'countryside.' Think of wide-open spaces, green areas, or just anything that isn't urban.
- DEFINITION
- Field; an open area of land or countryside.
When someone says they are going to the campo, they usually mean they are going to the countryside for a break, a trip, or maybe they even live there. It's a general term that covers farms, rural areas, or even just a large open space. It’s similar to how you might say 'the country' in English.
Vamos passar o fim de semana no campo. (We are going to spend the weekend in the countryside.)
As crianças adoram brincar no campo. (The children love to play in the field/countryside.)
But wait, there's more! Campo can also refer to a specific plot of land used for agriculture, like a cornfield or a wheat field. In this context, it's very much a 'field' in the farming sense.
O agricultor está a trabalhar no campo de milho. (The farmer is working in the corn field.)
You'll also hear campo used in a few other common situations:
- Sports fields: For example, a football field is a campo de futebol.
- Work fields/areas of study: In a more abstract sense, it can mean a 'field' of expertise or study.
- Battlefield: A campo de batalha.
The key takeaway is that campo is a versatile word. Its core meaning relates to open, non-urban land. When you're talking about escaping the city, you're going to the campo. When you see a farmer working, they're likely in a campo. And when you're watching a football match, it's played on a campo de futebol.
Understanding these different uses will help you grasp conversations and texts much more easily. It's a foundational word for anyone wanting to talk about geography, travel, sports, or even certain aspects of work and study in Portuguese.
§ Understanding 'Campo'
The Portuguese word 'campo' (pronounced: kahm-poo) is a very versatile noun. At its core, it means 'field,' as in a piece of land. However, it can also refer to the 'countryside' or an 'open area.' It's a masculine noun, so remember to use 'o' or 'um' before it.
- Definition
- Field; an open area of land or countryside.
§ Basic Usage: Field & Countryside
Let's start with the most common uses of 'campo.' You'll often hear it when talking about agricultural fields or simply going out to the countryside.
As crianças brincavam no campo.
The children were playing in the field.
Nós passamos o fim de semana no campo.
We spent the weekend in the countryside.
§ Beyond the Literal: Figurative Uses
'Campo' isn't just about literal fields. It also appears in several common expressions and has broader meanings, similar to 'field' in English (e.g., field of study, magnetic field).
- Campo de futebol: Football field (soccer field)
- Campo de golfe: Golf course
- Campo de batalha: Battlefield
- Campo de visão: Field of vision
- Campo magnético: Magnetic field
- Campo de trabalho: Field of work/employment
Ele é um especialista no campo da medicina.
He is an expert in the field of medicine.
O jogo será no campo novo.
The game will be on the new field (pitch).
§ Prepositions with 'Campo'
Here's a quick guide to common prepositions you'll use with 'campo':
- No campo (em + o): In/on the field/countryside
- Do campo (de + o): From the field/countryside, or belonging to the field/countryside
- Ao campo (a + o): To the field/countryside (less common for general movement, more for specific direction)
A vista do campo é linda.
The view from the countryside (or 'of the field') is beautiful.
§ Campo: Understanding Similar Words
You're learning Portuguese, and that's awesome! Today, we're focusing on the word 'campo'. This word generally means 'field', but like many words, it has a few nuances. Let's break it down so you know exactly when to use it.
- DEFINITION
- An open area of land, often used for agriculture, sports, or just open countryside.
The most common use of 'campo' is to describe an open piece of land. Think about a farmer's field, or a large grassy area where you might play sports.
O campo de futebol está molhado.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- The soccer field is wet.
Eles plantam milho no campo.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- They plant corn in the field.
§ Campo vs. Terra vs. Chão
Now, let's look at some words that might seem similar but have different uses. These are 'terra' and 'chão'.
§ Terra
- DEFINITION
- Earth, ground, land, soil.
'Terra' is much broader than 'campo'. It can refer to the planet Earth, the ground itself (the soil), or even a country or region. You wouldn't use 'campo' in these contexts.
A terra é fértil aqui.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- The soil/land is fertile here.
Ele viajou por muitas terras.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- He traveled through many lands/countries.
§ Chão
- DEFINITION
- Floor, ground (surface).
'Chão' refers to the floor or the surface of the ground you're walking on, whether inside a building or outside. It's about the immediate surface, not an expansive open area like 'campo'.
O livro caiu no chão.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- The book fell on the floor/ground.
A criança sentou no chão.
- TRANSLATION HINT
- The child sat on the floor/ground.
§ When to use Campo
You should use 'campo' when you are talking about:
- An agricultural field: O campo de trigo. (The wheat field.)
- A sports field: O campo de golfe. (The golf course/field.)
- Open countryside/rural area: Viver no campo. (To live in the countryside.)
- A specific field of study or expertise (figurative): Ele é especialista no seu campo. (He is an expert in his field.)
In summary, while 'terra' is about the general concept of land or soil, and 'chão' refers to the immediate surface, 'campo' specifically designates an open, often cultivated or designated, area of land. Keep practicing these distinctions, and you'll be using 'campo' like a pro!
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Ejemplos por nivel
O agricultor trabalha no campo todos os dias.
The farmer works in the field every day.
As crianças brincam no campo perto da minha casa.
The children play in the field near my house.
Nós fizemos um piquenique no campo ensolarado.
We had a picnic in the sunny field.
Você pode ver as ovelhas pastando no campo.
You can see the sheep grazing in the field.
O campo estava cheio de flores selvagens.
The field was full of wildflowers.
Vamos caminhar pelo campo esta tarde?
Shall we walk through the field this afternoon?
A bola caiu no campo e tivemos que procurá-la.
The ball fell in the field and we had to look for it.
Eles construíram uma casa no meio do campo.
They built a house in the middle of the field.
O vasto campo de girassóis se estendia até onde a vista alcançava, pintando a paisagem com tons vibrantes de amarelo.
The vast sunflower field stretched as far as the eye could see, painting the landscape with vibrant shades of yellow.
Here, 'campo' refers to a large agricultural field.
A criança, cheia de energia, correu livremente pelo campo, rindo enquanto perseguia borboletas coloridas.
The child, full of energy, ran freely through the field, laughing as they chased colorful butterflies.
In this context, 'campo' denotes an open, grassy area for play.
O professor de geografia explicou a importância do campo como fonte de recursos naturais e alimentos para a população.
The geography teacher explained the importance of the countryside as a source of natural resources and food for the population.
Here, 'campo' represents the broader concept of rural land or the countryside.
Apesar dos desafios, a vida no campo oferece uma tranquilidade e uma conexão com a natureza que são difíceis de encontrar na cidade.
Despite the challenges, life in the countryside offers a tranquility and connection with nature that are hard to find in the city.
This example contrasts 'campo' (countryside) with 'cidade' (city).
Durante a guerra, o campo de batalha se tornou um cenário desolador, testemunhando o custo humano do conflito.
During the war, the battlefield became a desolate scene, witnessing the human cost of the conflict.
Here, 'campo' is part of the compound noun 'campo de batalha' (battlefield).
Os cientistas montaram um acampamento no campo para estudar a flora e a fauna da região amazônica.
The scientists set up a camp in the field to study the flora and fauna of the Amazon region.
In this case, 'campo' refers to a remote, undeveloped area.
O agricultor trabalhava de sol a sol no campo, garantindo a colheita dos produtos que abasteceriam as mesas das cidades.
The farmer worked from sunrise to sunset in the field, ensuring the harvest of the produce that would supply the city tables.
'No campo' indicates working in an agricultural field.
A vista do campo verdejante da janela do trem trouxe uma sensação de paz e relaxamento após um longo dia de trabalho.
The view of the lush green field from the train window brought a sense of peace and relaxation after a long day of work.
'Campo verdejante' describes a fertile, green field.
Se confunde a menudo con
This is the Portuguese word for 'camp' as in a place to stay, not 'campo'.
This means 'garden,' which is a more cultivated and smaller area than 'campo.'
This means 'forest,' which is distinct from an open 'campo.'
Fácil de confundir
Many English speakers might confuse 'campo' with 'camp' due to phonetic similarity. However, 'campo' in Portuguese primarily refers to an open field or countryside, not a temporary living space.
'Campo' means 'field' or 'countryside.' 'Camp' in English, as in a place to stay, would be translated as 'acampamento' in Portuguese.
Eu gosto de caminhar no campo. (I like to walk in the field/countryside.)
Both 'campo' and 'chão' can refer to a surface. Learners might wonder when to use one over the other.
'Chão' specifically means 'ground' or 'floor,' the surface you walk on, indoors or out. 'Campo' is a broader term for an open area of land.
A bola caiu no chão. (The ball fell on the ground/floor.)
'Terra' can also mean 'land' or 'earth,' leading to overlap with 'campo.'
'Terra' can refer to soil, the planet Earth, or a large expanse of land. 'Campo' is more specific to an open, often cultivated, area of land.
Eles cultivam batatas na terra. (They grow potatoes in the soil/land.)
'Roça' is another term for rural areas, similar to 'campo.'
'Roça' often implies a more rustic, often agricultural, rural area, perhaps with a smaller farm or dwelling. 'Campo' is a more general term for an open field or the countryside.
Minha avó mora na roça. (My grandmother lives in the rural area/countryside.)
'Prado' also refers to a grassy area, creating potential confusion.
'Prado' is specifically a meadow or pasture, a grassy field. 'Campo' is a broader term for any open field, which could be grassy, cultivated, or otherwise.
As ovelhas pastavam no prado. (The sheep were grazing in the meadow.)
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a **camp**er parked in a **campo** (field).
Asociación visual
Picture a vast, green field, perhaps with a lone tree in the middle or some wildflowers. This is your 'campo.'
Word Web
Desafío
Describe a place you like to visit using 'campo.' For example: 'Eu gosto de ir para o campo nos fins de semana.' (I like to go to the countryside on weekends.)
Ponte a prueba 54 preguntas
Eu gosto de brincar no ___ com meus amigos. (I like to play in the ___ with my friends.)
The sentence talks about playing in an open area, which 'campo' (field) fits perfectly.
As vacas pastam no ___. (The cows graze in the ___.)
Cows typically graze in a field, making 'campo' the correct choice.
Nós fomos para o ___ no fim de semana. (We went to the ___ on the weekend.)
Going to the 'campo' (countryside/field) is a common weekend activity, implying an open area.
Ele tem uma casa no ___. (He has a house in the ___.)
People often have houses in the 'campo' (countryside).
O jogo de futebol será no ___. (The soccer game will be in the ___.)
Soccer games are played on a 'campo' (field).
Gosto de ver o sol nascer no ___. (I like to see the sun rise in the ___.)
The sun rising in an open 'campo' (field/countryside) is a common and beautiful sight.
This sentence means 'The field is green.' It's a simple descriptive sentence.
This sentence means 'I like the field.' 'Gosto de' means 'to like'.
This sentence means 'We go to the field.' 'Ir a' means 'to go to'.
O agricultor planta milho no ______.
The farmer plants corn in the field.
Nós vamos fazer um piquenique no ______ amanhã. (We are going to have a picnic in the ____ tomorrow.)
The word 'campo' fits the context of having a picnic outdoors.
As crianças adoram brincar no ______ verde. (The children love to play in the green ____.)
'Campo' refers to an open area where children can play.
A bola caiu no ______ e não conseguimos encontrá-la. (The ball fell into the ____ and we couldn't find it.)
A ball is likely to fall into a 'campo' (field) during play.
Ele gosta de caminhar no ______ ao pôr do sol. (He likes to walk in the ____ at sunset.)
Walking in the 'campo' (countryside/field) is a common activity, especially at sunset.
Os cavalos pastam livremente no ______. (The horses graze freely in the ____.)
Horses graze in a 'campo' (field).
Qual das frases a seguir usa a palavra "campo" corretamente?
A palavra 'campo' refere-se a uma área aberta de terra. Correr com o cachorro em um campo faz sentido. As outras opções usam 'campo' de forma figurativa ou incorreta neste contexto.
Complete a frase: 'No verão, as crianças adoram brincar no ___ de futebol.'
Um 'campo de futebol' é uma expressão comum para o local onde se joga futebol. As outras opções não se encaixam no contexto.
Se alguém disser 'Vamos passar o fim de semana no campo', o que eles provavelmente querem dizer?
Ir 'para o campo' geralmente significa ir para o interior, para uma área rural, que inclui fazendas e paisagens naturais.
A frase 'Ele é um especialista no campo da medicina' usa 'campo' no sentido de uma área aberta de terra.
Nesta frase, 'campo' é usado no sentido figurado de 'área de conhecimento' ou 'domínio', não uma área física de terra.
É comum encontrar animais como vacas e ovelhas em um campo.
Campos são frequentemente usados para pastagem de gado, então é muito comum encontrar vacas e ovelhas neles.
A expressão 'campo de batalha' se refere a um lugar onde as pessoas jogam futebol.
Um 'campo de batalha' é um local onde ocorre uma guerra ou combate, não um jogo de futebol. O termo é usado figurativamente para indicar um local de confronto intenso.
Imagine you are describing your favorite rural landscape in Portugal. Use 'campo' at least once in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu adoro o campo português. Há muitas árvores e flores, e as montanhas ao longe são lindas. É um lugar de muita paz para relaxar.
Write a short paragraph about what kind of activities you would do if you spent a weekend in the Portuguese countryside ('campo').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Se eu passasse um fim de semana no campo, eu gostaria de passear muito na natureza, talvez fazer um piquenique. Também seria bom descansar e ler um livro longe do barulho da cidade.
Describe a time you visited a rural area or 'campo' in your own country. What did you see and how did you feel?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
No meu país, visitei o campo uma vez e vi muitos animais, como vacas e ovelhas. O ar era muito puro e me senti muito relaxado longe da cidade.
De acordo com o texto, qual é uma característica da vida no campo?
Read this passage:
A vida no campo é geralmente mais tranquila do que na cidade. As pessoas que moram no campo muitas vezes trabalham na agricultura, cultivando a terra. O ar é mais limpo e há muitos animais. É um lugar ideal para quem busca paz e contato com a natureza.
De acordo com o texto, qual é uma característica da vida no campo?
O texto afirma diretamente que 'A vida no campo é geralmente mais tranquila do que na cidade.'
O texto afirma diretamente que 'A vida no campo é geralmente mais tranquila do que na cidade.'
Por que as famílias portuguesas gostam de ir para o campo no verão, segundo o texto?
Read this passage:
No verão, muitas famílias portuguesas gostam de ir para o campo, especialmente para as casas dos avós. Lá, as crianças brincam ao ar livre e os adultos desfrutam da comida caseira. É uma tradição importante que fortalece os laços familiares e permite um descanso da rotina diária.
Por que as famílias portuguesas gostam de ir para o campo no verão, segundo o texto?
O texto menciona que 'as crianças brincam ao ar livre e os adultos desfrutam da comida caseira' como razões para ir ao campo.
O texto menciona que 'as crianças brincam ao ar livre e os adultos desfrutam da comida caseira' como razões para ir ao campo.
O que uma casa no campo pode oferecer, de acordo com o texto?
Read this passage:
Muitas pessoas sonham em ter uma pequena casa no campo para fugir do estresse da cidade grande. Uma casa assim, mesmo que simples, oferece a oportunidade de cultivar um jardim, ter animais e desfrutar de um estilo de vida mais simples e conectado com a terra.
O que uma casa no campo pode oferecer, de acordo com o texto?
O texto afirma que uma casa no campo 'oferece a oportunidade de cultivar um jardim, ter animais'.
O texto afirma que uma casa no campo 'oferece a oportunidade de cultivar um jardim, ter animais'.
This sentence describes the beautiful sight of sunflower fields in summer.
This sentence describes a child happily running through a green field with their dog.
This sentence talks about the decision to buy a house in the countryside to escape city noise.
A urbanização desenfreada ameaça a beleza natural do ____, transformando áreas verdes em concreto e asfalto.
The sentence speaks of urbanization threatening natural beauty, which aligns with 'campo' (countryside or field).
Após anos de trabalho árduo na empresa, ele finalmente decidiu mudar-se para o ____ e dedicar-se à agricultura orgânica.
The context of dedicating oneself to organic agriculture points to moving to the 'campo' (countryside).
Apesar do desenvolvimento tecnológico, muitas comunidades rurais ainda dependem da vida no ____ para sua subsistência.
The sentence discusses rural communities and their dependence on a way of life, which fits 'campo' (countryside).
O aroma fresco da terra molhada e o canto dos pássaros eram os sons que embalavam suas manhãs no ____.
The description of fresh earth and birdsong evokes the 'campo' (countryside).
Para escapar do ritmo frenético da metrópole, eles alugaram uma pequena casa no ____, buscando paz e tranquilidade.
Escaping the frantic pace of the metropolis to find peace and quiet suggests moving to the 'campo' (countryside).
A pesquisa de campo é crucial para entender os impactos da poluição nos ecossistemas do ____ e desenvolver soluções eficazes.
The term 'pesquisa de campo' (field research) and the context of ecosystems point to 'campo' (field/countryside).
The open field stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with acacias and a winding stream. It was a place of peace and solitude, perfect for reflection.
The team of biologists spent the week in the field, collecting soil samples and observing the local fauna. The research is crucial to understanding the impact of climate change.
Since childhood, she always preferred the countryside to the city, finding solace in the green vastness and the silence broken only by the singing of birds.
Read this aloud:
Descreva uma situação em que você usaria a palavra 'campo' em um contexto figurado, como 'campo de batalha' ou 'campo de atuação'.
Focus: campo, figurado, atuação
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Imagine que você está descrevendo uma paisagem rural portuguesa para alguém. Como você usaria a palavra 'campo' para transmitir a beleza e a serenidade do local?
Focus: paisagem, rural, serenidade
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
Compare e contraste a vida no campo com a vida na cidade, usando a palavra 'campo' em suas argumentações. Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um?
Focus: compare, contraste, vantagens, desvantagens
Dijiste:
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This sentence discusses the transfer of advanced technology and knowledge from a laboratory setting to a practical application 'field' or domain.
This sentence places the discussion of good and evil within the 'field' or domain of philosophical ethics.
This sentence uses 'campo' to refer to a specific, complex area of study within quantum physics.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Ejemplo
Vamos passear pelo campo este fim de semana.
Contenido relacionado
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B1On the edge or brink of.
à beira de
B1On the edge of; almost in a state of.
à distância
A2At a far point in space or time.
a favor de
B1In favor of; supporting.
à sombra
A2In an area of darkness or coolness caused by the blocking of direct sunlight.
à volta
A2Around; in the vicinity.
abanar
A2To wave or swing back and forth, like an animal's tail; to wag.
abater
B1To cut down (a tree); to kill (an animal).
Abelha
A2Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey.
abeto
A2An evergreen coniferous tree, typically with flat needles.
