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50_Privative Derivation (The fů- Prefix)
Grammatical Concept: Absence as an Entity
The prefix fů- creates Nouns that represent the specific concept of “Lack” or “Absence” (“Non-X”, “X-lessness”).
1. The Prefix (fů-)
Function: Derivational Prefix. Meaning: The state of lacking [Root]. Etymology: Borrowed from Japanese 不 (fu).
2. Derivation Logic
Formula: fů + [Noun Root] → [Privative Noun]
Noun Class: Inherits the Warmth of the root.
fů+båbå(Muscle) → fůbåbå (Musclelessness - Warm).
3. Predicative Syntax (The Possession Constraint)
You cannot “possess” (ma) a lack. You must perform (-nů) it.
- Correct:
To wo fůbåbånů.(“I am muscleless.” / I perform lack-of-muscle).
4. Constitutional Compounds (ga- + fů-)
To define an object or person by their physical composition of “lacking X,” use the Constitutional Particle ga-.
Important: The result is a Compound Noun, not an adjective. It acts as a classifier or material definition.
- Structure:
ga+fů+[Root] - Meaning: “A [Lack-of-X]-type thing.”
- Usage: Used to describe objective, physical reality.
Example: gafůbåbå
- Components:
ga(Type) +fů(Lack) +båbå(Muscle). - Meaning: “Musclelessness (as a constitution).” / “The Atrophied Type.”
- Sentence:
To John gafůbåbåshá.
SUBJJohnmuscleless-typeperson[Ø]“John is a muscleless person.” Nuance: John is physically built of “lack of muscle.” It is a statement of his material reality.
Contrast with Adjectives:
- gafůbåbåshá: A person physically defined by having no muscle.
- fůbåbånă shá: A “muscleless-like” person (perhaps weak or soft in nature, even if they have muscles).