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(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
-ನಿ (-ni)
- shows the infinitive mood
- ಪೋ (pō, “go!”) + -ನಿ (-ni) → ಪೋಪಿನಿ (pōpini, “to go/going”)
- accusative case marker
- ನಾಯಿ (nāyi, “dog”) + -ನಿ (-ni) → ನಾಯಿನಿ (nāyini, “to the dog”)