Reconstruction:Proto-Finnic/-i-

This Proto-Finnic 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-Finnic

Etymology 1

From Proto-Uralic *-j (oblique plural marker).

Infix

*-i-

1. Plural number marker in other cases than the nominative (and optionally the genitive).

Usage notes

• Not all genitive plural endings feature this marker.

Descendants

• Estonian: -i- (in many cases often secondary to -de-, if an option at all)
• Finnish: -i-
• Ingrian: -i-
• Karelian:
  • North Karelian: -i-
  • South Karelian: -i-
• Livonian: -ī-, -i- (or transphonologized)
• Livvi: -i-
• Ludian: -i-
• Veps: -i-
• Võro: -i-
• Votic: -i-

Etymology 2

From Proto-Finno-Ugric *-j (past tense marker).

Infix

*-i-

1. Past tense marker.

Usage notes

• Comes before the person marker.
• For the negative verb, see *e-.

Descendants

• Estonian: -i-
• Finnish: -i-
• Ingrian: -i-
• Karelian:
  • North Karelian: -i-
  • South Karelian: -i-
• Livonian: (primarily transphonologized); ? -iz-
• Livvi: -i-
• Ludian: -i-
• Veps: -i-
• Võro: -i-
• Votic: -i-