Reconstruction:Proto-Bantu/mbégʊ́

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

Noun

*mbégʊ́ class 9 (plural *mbégʊ́ class 10)

1. (Common Bantu) seed

Usage notes

This term is shared between many Bantu languages, but a single form cannot be formally reconstructed to the level of Proto-Bantu because of historical or linguistic considerations. This word appears to be an innovation in Eastern Bantu.

Descendants

• Nyasa:
  • Chichewa (N31): mbewu
• Northeast Bantu:
  • Northeast Coast Bantu:
    • Swahili (G42): mbegu
• Shona (S10): mbeu
• Southern Bantu:
  • Nguni:
    • Lala (South Africa) (S406): imbewu
    • Phuthi (S404): ípéwu (with p probably from Sotho, as normally mb > bh)
    • Southern Ndebele (S407): imbewu
    • Xhosa (S41): ímbêwu
    • Zulu (S42): ímbêwu
  • Sotho-Tswana:
    • Sotho (S33): peo
    • Tswana (S31): peo
  • Venda (S20): mbeu