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fuente means source — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 30, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

fuente

noun • /[FWEN-teh]/

source

Example:

Cita la fuente correctamente.

Cite the source correctly.

🧠 What does fuente mean?

Fuente is a feminine noun with several important meanings. Its primary meaning is 'source', referring to the origin or starting point of something, such as information, energy, or a problem. In academic and professional contexts, it is commonly used to refer to sources for research, like 'fuentes fiables' (reliable sources). Additionally, 'fuente' commonly refers to a 'fountain', a structure in a public square or garden that shoots out water. It can also mean a 'serving dish' or 'platter' for food. A less common but relevant meaning is 'font' in the context of typography.

📚 Extra examples

  • El informe cita varias fuentes académicas.
    The report cites several academic sources.
  • Los niños jugaban cerca de la fuente en el centro de la plaza.
    The children were playing near the fountain in the center of the square.
  • Por favor, pasa la fuente de ensalada.
    Please pass the salad platter.
  • Las energías renovables son una fuente importante de electricidad.
    Renewable energies are an important source of electricity.
  • El diseñador cambió la fuente del texto para mejorar la legibilidad.
    The designer changed the font of the text to improve readability.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'fuente' originates from the Latin 'fons', which meant 'spring' or 'fountain'. This original meaning of a water source evolved to encompass the more abstract idea of an information source, which is why the same word is used for both a park fountain and a journalist's source.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "fuente"

Synonyms: origen, principio, manantial, procedencia
Opposites: resultado, consecuencia, efecto, destino

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'source' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'source' in Spanish is 'fuente'. For example, 'una fuente de información' means 'a source of information'.
How do you pronounce 'fuente' in Spanish?
The word 'fuente' is pronounced FWEN-teh. The stress is on the first syllable, 'fuen'.
How do you use 'fuente' in a sentence?
To use 'fuente' in a sentence, you can say: 'El periodista no reveló su fuente' (The journalist did not reveal their source). It can also refer to a fountain: 'Hay una fuente bonita en el parque' (There is a pretty fountain in the park).
What is the English translation of 'fuente'?
The primary English translation of 'fuente' is 'source'. However, it can also mean 'fountain', 'serving dish/platter', or 'font' (in typography) depending on the context.
Does 'fuente' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'fuente' is a feminine noun. The plural form is 'fuentes'. For example, 'la fuente' (the source/fountain) becomes 'las fuentes' (the sources/fountains).
Is 'fuente' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'fuente' is very common in both everyday conversation and formal contexts. It is used frequently to mean both 'source' and 'fountain'.
Does 'fuente' have slang or double meanings?
While 'fuente' does not have common slang meanings, its multiple standard meanings ('source', 'fountain', 'platter', 'font') are a key aspect of the word. The correct meaning is always determined by the context.
Is 'fuente' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'fuente' is consistent across Spain and Latin America for its main meanings of 'source' and 'fountain'. The meaning 'serving dish' is also widespread, though in some regions, 'bandeja' might be more common for a platter.

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