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

Adjective

*kawa

bitter, sour

Descendants

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

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