Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/kawa

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 *kawa, from Proto-Oceanic *kawaʀ (“potent root”), doublet of *wakaʀ (“root”). (See entry “kava” on WP.)

Cognate with Mwotlap ga, Hiw ga and Lo-Toga gi < *kaya < *kawaʀ.

In the context of a pleasure activity, this word replaces *qapuʀ (“lime”), which refers to the lime used in betel chewing.

Noun

*kawa

1. kava
2. bitterness

Adjective

*kawa

1. bitter, sour

Descendants

• Proto-Nuclear Polynesian:
  • Proto-Eastern Polynesian:
    • Tahitian: ʻavaʻava
    • Hawaiian: ʻawa, ʻawaʻawa
    • Maori: kawa
    • Rapa Nui: kavakava
  • Samoan: 'ava
• Tongan: kava
  • → English: kava
  • → Italian: kava
  • → Japanese: カヴァ (kava)