-kâ

Khiamniungan Naga

Etymology

Likely a grammaticalized verb that originally meant "to move" or "to carry".

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ka⁵²/

Directional suffix

-kâ

  1. A general directional suffix that completes a motion verb and gives it a sense of deliberate, goal-oriented movement. It often, but not always, implies motion towards a goal or along a defined path. To move with a specific, directed purpose; to go in a specified direction.

Usage note

This suffix is typically attached to a morpheme that specifies the path (e.g., `shī-` 'towards', `phù-` 'straight', `làiûi-` 'down', `làishā-` 'up'). It contrasts with other suffixes like --khúa (which specifically means "to go away"), by being more neutral or goal-oriented.

    • Example Breakdown:
      • lai shika: to come (towards the speaker).
        • lai shi- (path: towards) + `-ka` (directional suffix) = "to move towards"
      • lai phuka: to come/go on a straight road.
        • `lai phu-` (path: straight) + `-ka` (directional suffix) = "to move straight along"
      • lai uika: to walk downward.
        • `lai ui-` (path: down) + `-ka` (directional suffix) = "to move downward"
      • lai shaka: to walk upwards.
        • `lai sha-` (path: up) + `-ka` (directional suffix) = "to move upward"
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