Chapter 9: Passive Forms, Dual Forms, and Intensified Verbs

Question 1

When a movement or action is performed by two persons together, how is the form of the verb modified?

Answer 1

It is partially reduplicated. horo - to run, hohoro to run (as two); haere -to go, hahaere, to go as two; ta’oto - to sleep, ta’o’oto, to sleep as a pair.

Question 2

When an action or movement is repeated several times or very often, how is the form modified?

Answer 2

The form is subject to complete or almost complete reduplication. parau - to talk, parauparau, to chatter. hi’o to look at, hi’ohi’o, to stare at.

Question 3

Which other word may work as an intensifying particle?

Answer 3

ia, when it is immediately after the verb.

Question 4

How is the passive formed with causative verbs?

Answer 4

In the usual way, with the passive suffix -hia.

Question 5

What happens with verbs that are basically passive in meaning?

Answer 5

They do not take the passive suffix hia.

Question 6

How can almost any common noun become a passive impersonal verb?

Answer 6

By the addition of hia to the noun itself.
ta’ata > ta’atahia to become populous
mā’a > mā’a hia to become fruitful