Eu trabalho em campo.

I work in the field.

Breakdown of Eu trabalho em campo.

• eu: I
• em: in
• trabalhar: to work
• o campo: the field

Questions & Answers about Eu trabalho em campo.

Why is there no definite article before campo in the sentence Eu trabalho em campo?

In Portuguese, especially in idiomatic expressions like em campo, it’s common to omit the definite article even though campo is a masculine noun (normally o campo). This omission emphasizes a general, abstract idea of working “in the field” (often meaning practical, on-site, or research work) rather than pointing to one specific field.

What role does the preposition em play in this sentence?

The preposition em functions similarly to the English “in” or “on.” In this sentence, it links the verb trabalho (I work) to the location campo, indicating where the action takes place. It effectively tells us that the work is carried out in a field setting, rather than in an office or other controlled environment.

Is there a difference between saying Eu trabalho em campo and Eu trabalho no campo?

Yes, there is a subtle difference. Eu trabalho em campo is often used idiomatically to suggest dynamic fieldwork—like doing research, journalism, or on-site technical work. In contrast, Eu trabalho no campo (with the article no coming from em + o) can imply a more literal meaning, such as working in the countryside or in agriculture. The nuance depends on context and the specific kind of work being described.

How is the verb trabalho formed, and what does its form tell us about the action?

Trabalho is the first-person singular present tense form of the regular verb trabalhar. This conjugation means “I work” in English, indicating that the action is a current or habitual activity. It’s a straightforward example of a common -ar verb conjugation in Portuguese.

In what contexts might a Portuguese speaker choose to use em campo when describing their work?

Portuguese speakers often use em campo when referring to activities that take place outside traditional office settings. It’s commonly heard among professionals like researchers, field engineers, or journalists who perform their work on-site. The phrase underscores the practical, on-location nature of their work, differentiating it from work done in labs or offices.