Reconstruction:Proto-Finnic/kirja

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 edit

Etymology edit

Origin unknown.

Reconstruction edit

A secondary sense 'writing, writ, book' develops in most descendants after the introduction of literacy.

Noun edit

*kirja

  1. decoration, carving, pattern

Inflection edit

Derived terms edit

Descendants edit

  • Estonian: kiri (writing, letter, pattern)
  • Finnish: kirja (book)
  • Ingrian: kirja (book, pattern, letter)
  • Karelian:
    • North Karelian: kirja (letter; pattern; book)
    • South Karelian: kirja (letter; pattern)
  • Livvi: kirju (book, list, pattern, literacy, education)
  • Livonian: kēra (pattern, writing, letter)
  • Ludian: kirď (pattern, letter (of the alphabet))
  • Veps: kirj (book, writing, literacy, pattern, sign)
  • Võro: kiri (writing, letter)
  • Votic: tširjõ (book, writing, letter, literacy, document, colour)
  • Proto-Samic: *kirjē (spot, speck; book)