Campo vs. prato
The Italian words 'campo' and 'prato' both refer to open areas of land, but they have distinct connotations and uses in everyday language.
Campo
'Campo' generally refers to a field used for agricultural purposes or sports activities. It can also denote a broader sense of an area or domain.
Il contadino ara il campo di grano.
(The farmer plows the wheat field.)
La squadra si allena sul campo da calcio.
(The team trains on the soccer field.)
È un esperto nel campo della medicina.
(He's an expert in the field of medicine.)
Prato
'Prato' specifically refers to a meadow or a grassy area, often associated with natural or landscaped environments.
I bambini giocano sul prato del parco.
(The children play on the park's lawn.)
Le pecore pascolano nel prato fiorito.
(The sheep graze in the flowery meadow.)
Abbiamo fatto un picnic sul prato.
(We had a picnic on the meadow.)
Summary
While 'campo' is more versatile, often referring to cultivated or purpose-specific areas, 'prato' is primarily used for grass-covered areas in natural or landscaped settings. 'Campo' can be used metaphorically, while 'prato' is generally more literal in its application to grassy spaces.