Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fount'

English Word: fount

Key Russian Translations:

• фонтан [ˈfon.tan] - [Formal, often used in literal contexts like architecture or nature]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in descriptions of public spaces or literature)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level, as it follows basic noun patterns in Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фонтан: [ˈfon.tan]

Note on фонтан: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'т' is pronounced as a clear 't' sound. Be mindful of the soft 'н' at the end, which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A source of water, such as a spring or fountain

Translation(s) & Context:

• фонтан - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing public fountains or metaphorical sources (e.g., in literature).

Usage Examples:

• В парке есть красивый фонтан, который работает круглый год.

  In the park, there is a beautiful fountain that operates all year round.

• Этот фонтан стал символом города, привлекающим туристов.

  This fountain has become a symbol of the city, attracting tourists.

• Дети любят играть у фонтана в жару.

  Children love to play by the fountain in the heat.

• Поэты часто сравнивают вдохновение с фонтаном идей.

  Poets often compare inspiration to a fountain of ideas.

• Фонтан в сквере был построен в XIX веке.

  The fountain in the square was built in the 19th century.

Secondary Meaning: A metaphorical source or origin (e.g., fount of knowledge)

Translation(s) & Context:

• фонтан (in extended metaphors) - Informal or literary use, often in phrases like "источник знаний".

Usage Examples:

• Библиотека — это настоящий фонтан знаний для студентов.

  The library is a true fount of knowledge for students.

• Его речи всегда являются фонтаном мудрости и опыта.

  His speeches are always a fount of wisdom and experience.

• Интернет стал фонтаном информации, но не всегда надёжной.

  The internet has become a fount of information, but not always reliable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

фонтан is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases, with no irregularities. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: As a regular noun, it does not have exceptional forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • источник (source, often used metaphorically)
  • родник (spring, for natural water sources; differs by implying a more natural, flowing origin)
• Antonyms:
  • пустыня (desert, implying a lack of water or resources)
  • сухость (dryness, in metaphorical contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Фонтан жизни (Fountain of life) - A phrase referring to a vital source or eternal energy, often used in philosophical or religious contexts.
• Танцующий фонтан (Dancing fountain) - Describes interactive fountains with lights and music, common in modern urban settings.
• Источник вдохновения (Source of inspiration) - A related idiomatic expression where "фонтан" can be substituted in poetic language.

Usage Notes:

The English word "fount" is an archaic or poetic form of "fountain," which directly translates to "фонтан" in Russian. Use "фонтан" in formal writing or when describing physical structures, but in metaphorical contexts (e.g., "fount of knowledge"), it aligns with "источник" for a more natural feel. Be aware of Russian's case system, as "фонтан" must agree with the sentence structure (e.g., in genitive for possession). It's neutral in terms of register but leans formal in literary use. When choosing between translations, opt for "фонтан" for literal water sources and "источник" for abstract ones to avoid awkwardness.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "фонтан" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел фонтан" when it should be "Я видел фонтан" (correct), but commonly erring in genitive as "фонтана" instead of "фонтан" in simple sentences.

  Correct: В парке есть фонтан (In the park, there is a fountain).

  Incorrect: В парке есть фонтана (wrong case usage).

  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on their role; always check the case for proper agreement.

• Mistake: Confusing with "font" (as in typography), leading to misuse like "шрифт" instead of "фонтан."

  Correct: Для воды используйте "фонтан."

  Incorrect: Используйте "шрифт" для воды (which means "font" as in typeface).

  Explanation: Ensure context matches; "fount" specifically relates to water, not printing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, fountains (фонтаны) often symbolize abundance, beauty, and public leisure, as seen in famous landmarks like the fountains in Peterhof Palace near St. Petersburg. They are frequently featured in literature and art, representing renewal or the flow of ideas, which ties into the metaphorical use of "fount" in English. This reflects Russia's historical emphasis on ornate architecture and nature-inspired motifs.

Related Concepts:

• источник
• родник
• водопад (waterfall)