Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): O dia está claro, por isso vamos ao campo. - The day is clear, so we go to the countryside.

Portuguese distinguishes temporary states from permanent characteristics by using estar for conditions that can change, such as weather, and ser for inherent qualities. In O dia está claro, the clear condition of the day is temporary, which is why estar is the appropriate choice.

What does por isso mean, and how does it function in the sentence?

Por isso means "therefore" or "that's why." It serves as a connector that explains cause and effect: because the day is clear, the consequence is that we go to the field. It links the condition with the resulting action.

Why is the phrase ao campo used, and what does the contraction ao represent?

In Portuguese, the preposition a (meaning "to") combines with the masculine definite article o (meaning "the") to form the contraction ao. Thus, ao campo literally translates as "to the field." This is the standard way to express movement toward a specific location.

What does campo refer to in this context? Does it imply a sports field or something else?

In this sentence, campo most commonly refers to the countryside or open fields—a natural, rural setting—rather than a sports field. The context suggests an outdoor excursion to enjoy the clear weather.

Is the sentence in the present or future tense, and how can I tell?

Both está (from estar) and vamos (from ir) are in the present tense. Though vamos can imply an imminent action (as in "let’s go" or "we are going"), it remains a present-tense verb that shows the immediate nature of the plan.