ming-

• ning-
• mi-
• ni-

Probably from a portmanteau of mu- (itself from Proto-Philippine *-um-) and the original perfect infix -in-. Compare similar developments in Ilocano -imm-, and archaic Tagalog -ungm-.

• IPA^(key): /miŋ/ [mɪŋ]

ming- (infinitive & future mo-, mu-)

1. complete aspect of mo-

   Mingkaon ko.

   I ate.

• The forms ming- and mi- are only ever used in formal contexts, ning- and ni- are more common in daily conversation.

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

ming-

1. classifier for ideas and abstract concepts, including songs, colors and spirits