Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/kai

This Proto-Polynesian 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-Polynesian

Etymology

From Proto-Central Pacific *kani, from Proto-Oceanic *kani, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kaən, from Proto-Austronesian *kaən.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈka.i/

Noun

*kai

1. food

Descendants

• Proto-Nuclear Polynesian:
  • Proto-Eastern Polynesian:
    • Hawaiian: ʻai
    • Maori: kai
      • → English: kai
    • Rapa Nui: kai
• Tongan: kai