Reconstruction:Proto-Bantu/kɪ̀ntʊ̀

This Proto-Bantu 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-Bantu

Etymology

From the root *-ntʊ̀ ("some, any"), hypothesized to be a shortening from earlier *-jìntʊ̀.

Noun

*kɪ̀ntʊ̀ class 7 (plural *bìntʊ̀ class 8)

1. thing, object

Related terms

• *mʊ̀ntʊ̀ (“person”)
• *pàntʊ̀ (“place”)

Descendants

• Central Western Bantu
  • Luban
    • Luba-Katanga (L33): bintu
• East Bantu
  • Northeast Bantu:
    • Great Lakes Bantu:
      • Luganda (J15): ekintu
      • Tooro (J12): ekintu
      • Rwanda-Rundi (J61/62): ikintu
      • Nande (J42): ekïndu
      • Jita (J25): ecinu
    • Northeast Coast Bantu:
      • Swahili (G42): kitu
    • Thagiicu:
      • Kikuyu (E51): kĩndũ
  • Nyasa:
    • Chichewa (N31): chinthu
    • Tumbuka (N21): cinthu
  • Shona (S10): chinhu
  • Southern Bantu
    • Zulu (S42): into