fonte
/ˈfon.te/
The English word 'source' is translated into Italian as fonte.
fonte refers to a person, place or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired. It is commonly used in phrases like fonte di luce (source of light) or fonte di reddito (source of income).
Meaning: the person, place or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may use provenienza as a more formal alternative when referring to the source of a product or material.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is fonte and the plural form is fonti.
How do you pronounce it?
fonte is pronounced /ˈfon.te/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- When discussing genealogy, the 'source' of a family line is often referred to as the ceppo, meaning 'stump' or 'stock', rather than using fonte.
- The Italian word fonte shares its DNA with the English word 'fountain', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root describing water.
- If you are looking for the 'source' of a mistake or a problem, Italians often use causa or origine rather than fonte, which sounds too much like a physical spring.
Examples in context
- Cita la tua fonte.Cite your source.This sentence shows how to use fonte when asking someone to cite their source.Tatoeba #5868394 by Guybrush88, translation #5758246 by CM
- Io conosco la fonte.I know the source.This sentence demonstrates how to express knowledge of a specific fonte.Tatoeba #5923347 by Guybrush88, translation #5757963 by CM
- Qual è la tua fonte di dati?What's your data source?This sentence is useful for asking about a fonte of data.Tatoeba #8467415 by Guybrush88, translation #7113495 by CM
- La fonte principale delle informazioni è stata il rapporto scientifico.The main source of information was the scientific report.
- La provenienza di questo tessuto è difficile da identificare.The source of this fabric is difficult to identify.
- Secondo me, il punto di partenza di questo problema è la mancanza di comunicazione.In my opinion, the source of this problem is the lack of communication.
- La radice di tutti i mali è l'avidità.The source of all evils is greed.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo is asking Martina about her news at a cafe.
- MartinaHo letto una notizia incredibile stamattina.I read an incredible piece of news this morning.
- LorenzoMa qual è la tua fonte?But what is your source?
- MartinaÈ un sito di notizie molto affidabile.It is a very reliable news site.
- LorenzoCapisco, grazie per l'informazione, Martina.I see, thanks for the information, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “source” translations and entries fonte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fonte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
