campo
/ˈkampo/masculine
The English word 'countryside' is translated into Spanish as campo. Wiktionary also lists campaña and campiña.
Meaning: area outside of towns and cities, or such part of a larger area (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| campo | /ˈkampo/ | masculine |
| campaña | /kamˈpaɲa/ | feminine |
| campiña | /kamˈpiɲa/ | feminine |
The term campo is used to describe the area outside of towns and cities or a specific part of a larger area. When you are referring to 'the countryside' as a general concept or a destination, you should almost always use the definite article with it, as in el campo.
Which one should you use?
While campo is the general term for the countryside, campiña is used to specify a fertile, often cultivated plain or a specific stretch of countryside. Be careful not to confuse campaña with the countryside. This is a false friend that actually means 'campaign', such as a political or military campaign.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the word Rancho is used to refer to a rural ranch or farm.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkampo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word campaña is a linguistic relative of the French word for the sparkling wine 'Champagne'. Both terms evolved from the Latin word for a 'level field'.
- In Spanish, campo is used not only for the countryside but also as the standard word for a sports 'field' or 'pitch'.
- The phrase estar en el campo can sometimes imply that someone is 'out in the wild' or in a remote area, rather than just visiting a rural village.
Examples in context
- Hemos ido al campo.We went to the countryside.This sentence shows how to express having gone to the countryside using campo.Tatoeba #1031139 by Shishir, translation #9643981 by DJ_Saidez
- Quiero ver el campo.I want to see the countryside.This sentence demonstrates the desire to see the countryside using campo.Tatoeba #4637580 by lawka, translation #1120830 by cntrational
- Quiero vivir en el campo.I want to live in the countryside.This sentence illustrates wanting to live in the countryside using campo.Tatoeba #656227 by Shishir, translation #10569346 by Adelpa
- Me encanta la tranquilidad del campo.I love the tranquility of the countryside.
- En mi familia siempre hemos vivido en la zona rural.My family has always lived in the countryside.
- El turismo en el área campestre está en crecimiento.Tourism in the countryside area is growing.
- Me gusta visitar a mis abuelos en el pueblo los fines de semana.I enjoy visiting my grandparents in the countryside on weekends.
- Cuando era niño, solía explorar el monte cercano a mi casa.When I was a child, I used to explore the countryside near my house.
- Pasamos nuestras vacaciones en una hermosa vereda rodeada de naturaleza.We spent our vacation in a beautiful countryside settlement surrounded by nature.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are planning a weekend trip.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir al campo este fin de semana?Do you want to go to the countryside this weekend?
- SofíaSí, me encanta la tranquilidad del campo.Yes, I love the tranquility of the countryside.
- DanielPodemos llevar una cesta de picnic.We can bring a picnic basket.
- SofíaEs una idea excelente, Daniel.That is an excellent idea, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “countryside” translations and entries campo, campaña, campiña, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries campaña, campiña, campo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
