Inklingo
← Dictionary

fuentes

FWEHN-tehs/ˈfwen̪tes/

fountains, springs

Also: water features
NounfA1
A tiered outdoor fountain spraying clear water into a large stone basin in a public park.

📝 In Action

Las fuentes de la plaza estaban apagadas por la sequía.

A2

The fountains in the square were turned off due to the drought.

Encontramos unas fuentes naturales de agua potable en la montaña.

B1

We found some natural springs of drinking water in the mountains.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • manantiales (springs)
  • chorros (jets (of water))

Common Collocations

  • fuentes ornamentales – ornamental fountains

sources

Also: origins, resources
NounfB1
A tiny stream of water bubbling up from mossy rocks, illustrating the origin or source of a river.

📝 In Action

Debes citar las fuentes de información en tu ensayo.

B1

You must cite the sources of information in your essay.

Están buscando nuevas fuentes de energía renovable.

B2

They are looking for new sources of renewable energy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • orígenes (origins)
  • procedencias (provenance)

Common Collocations

  • fuentes confiables – reliable sources

dishes, platters

Also: trays
NounfA2
A large, empty, oval white ceramic serving platter resting on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Necesito dos fuentes grandes para servir el pavo y el arroz.

A2

I need two large dishes/platters to serve the turkey and rice.

Lava las fuentes de cerámica antes de guardarlas.

B1

Wash the ceramic serving dishes before storing them.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bandejas (trays)
  • platos (plates)

Common Collocations

  • fuentes de horno – baking dishes

fonts, typefaces

NounfB2
A neat stack of small, rectangular wooden printing blocks, representing type elements or fonts.

📝 In Action

El diseñador usó fuentes muy elegantes para el logotipo.

B2

The designer used very elegant fonts for the logo.

Cambia las fuentes del documento para que sea más legible.

B2

Change the document's fonts so it is more readable.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tipografías (typefaces)

Common Collocations

  • tipos de fuentes – types of fonts

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
fuente(fountain, source, dish) — Noun
fontanero(plumber) — Noun
afluente(tributary (river)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
mentespatentes
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *fons* (plural *fontes*), meaning 'spring' or 'source of water.' This original meaning of a water source is why the word is now used metaphorically for the 'source' of information and physically for a 'fountain' or a 'serving dish' (which can be seen as the source of food).

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: fontesFrench: fontaine

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.