fuentes
/FWEHN-tehs/
fountains
A public water feature is a type of fuente (fountain).
fuentes(noun)
fountains
?public water features
,springs
?natural water sources
water features
?general term for decorative water
📝 In Action
Las fuentes de la plaza estaban apagadas por la sequía.
A2The fountains in the square were turned off due to the drought.
Encontramos unas fuentes naturales de agua potable en la montaña.
B1We found some natural springs of drinking water in the mountains.
💡 Grammar Points
A Feminine Plural
Remember that 'fuentes' is a feminine noun, so any adjectives describing them must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'fuentes viejas' — old fountains).
The origin of a resource or information is a fuente (source).
fuentes(noun)
sources
?origin of information or resources
origins
?starting point
,resources
?supplies or materials
📝 In Action
Debes citar las fuentes de información en tu ensayo.
B1You must cite the sources of information in your essay.
Están buscando nuevas fuentes de energía renovable.
B2They are looking for new sources of renewable energy.
💡 Grammar Points
Connecting to the Noun
When talking about the source of something, you almost always use the preposition 'de': 'fuentes de ingresos' (sources of income).
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Use
In academic writing or journalism, always use 'fuentes' when referring to the people or documents providing data.
Large serving plates are also called fuentes (dishes).
📝 In Action
Necesito dos fuentes grandes para servir el pavo y el arroz.
A2I need two large dishes/platters to serve the turkey and rice.
Lava las fuentes de cerámica antes de guardarlas.
B1Wash the ceramic serving dishes before storing them.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Serving Dish vs. Plate
Mistake: "Using 'platos' when you mean a large serving dish."
Correction: 'Platos' are individual plates. 'Fuentes' are the large dishes used to serve food to everyone.
Digital typefaces are referred to as fuentes (fonts).
📝 In Action
El diseñador usó fuentes muy elegantes para el logotipo.
B2The designer used very elegant fonts for the logo.
Cambia las fuentes del documento para que sea más legible.
B2Change the document's fonts so it is more readable.
💡 Grammar Points
Tech Vocabulary
In technology contexts, 'fuente' is the standard word for 'font' or 'typeface,' just like it means 'source' in other contexts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fuentes
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'fuentes' is used in the phrase: 'Las fuentes estaban vacías después de la cena de Navidad.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fuentes' related to the word for 'plumber'?
Yes, absolutely! The word for plumber is 'fontanero,' which comes from the same root 'fuente' (source/fountain), because a plumber deals with water sources and pipes.
How do I know if 'fuentes' means 'fountains' or 'sources'?
Look at the context. If you are discussing reports, research, or news, it means 'sources.' If you are talking about parks, city squares, or nature, it usually means 'fountains' or 'springs.' The plural form is the same for all meanings.