Reconstruction:Proto-Japonic/ni

This Proto-Japonic entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Japonic

Etymology

Likely related to ancient copular element nu, as reflected in conclusive auxiliary suffix ぬ (-nu), genitive and appositive particle の (no), and verb なる (naru, “to become”).

Particle

*ni

1. dative and locative marker

Descendants

• Old Japanese: に (ni)
  • Japanese: に (ni)
• Proto-Ryukyuan: *ni
  • Northern Ryukyuan: に (ni) (Omoro Sōshi, 12th-16th century)
    • Kikai: に (ni)
    • Kunigami: に (ni)
    • Northern Amami Ōshima: に (ni)
    • Okinawan: に (ni)
    • Okinoerabu: に (ni)
    • Southern Amami Ōshima: に (ni)
    • Tokunoshima: に (ni)
    • Yoron: に (ni)
  • Southern Ryukyuan: *ni (Bentley, 2008)
    • Miyako: ん (n)
    • Yaeyama: に (ni)
    • Yonaguni: に (ni)