Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/ma(a)taqu

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

*ma- (“stative prefix”) +‎ *taqu (“know”)

Verb

*ma(a)taqu

1. to know
2. to understand

Descendants

• Proto-Nuclear Polynesian:
  • Proto-Eastern Polynesian:
    • Marquesic:
      • Hawaiian: mākaukau
    • Tahitic:
      • Maori: mātau
      • Rarotongan: mātau
      • Tuamotuan: mātau
      • Tahitian: mātau, mātautau
  • Western Polynesian:
    • Ellicean-Outlier:
      • Tuvaluan: matau
    • Futunic:
      • East Futuna: mātau
      • Pukapukan: mātau
    • Samoic:
      • Tokelauan: mātau
• Tongic:
  • Niuean: matautau

Further reading

• Blust's Austronesian Comparative Dictionary - *Caqu
• Polynesian Lexicon Project Online - MAA-TAU