Reconstruction:Proto-Japonic/mǝti

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

Probably originally the continuative or infinitive form of verb *mətu (“to hold”). Derivatives all refer to sticky items, suggesting a connection with the verb form's sense of "holding, keeping", becoming "holding → sticking → trapping", depending on the descendant term.

Noun

*mǝti

1. birdlime (a sticky substance smeared on branches to trap birds)

Descendants

• Old Japanese: 黐 (mo₂ti)
  • Japanese: 黐 (mochi)

Noun

*mǝti

1. sticky rice, glutinous rice

Descendants

• Old Japanese: 糯 (mo₂ti)
  • Japanese: 糯 (mochi)
• Proto-Ryukyuan: *moti
  • Northern Ryukyuan:
    • Northern Amami-Oshima: 糯 (muchi)
    • Okinawan: 糯 (muchi)
  • Southern Ryukyuan:
  • ⇒ Yaeyama: 糯粟 (mutsï-ā)