Editing Manchu language (section)

==== Voice ====

===== Passive and causative =====
[[Voice (grammar)|Voice]] is a somewhat problematic and controversial category in Manchu. The form for passive voice in Manchu is generally formed with the suffix ''-bu'' :
{{interlinear|baita de uša-bu-ha|matter DAT charge-PASS-PTCP.PERF|"(someone) was charged with the matter."
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In certain verbs, the passive is formed with the suffix ''-mbu'' instead, although it has also been claimed to have a different shade of meaning.

Many verbs in the passive voice have a [[Reflexive verb|reflexive]] meaning:
{{interlinear|gurun dasa-bu-mbi|state correct-PASS-PTCP.PERF|"The state is improving."
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Surprisingly, the suffix ''-bu'' (or, in many cases, ''-mbu'') also expresses the [[causative]]: this, ''ara'''mbu'''mbi'' means "be written", but also "make (someone) write".

{{interlinear|tere-be gene-bu!|this-ACC go-CAUS(IMP)|"Order him to go!"
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The combination of both suffixes ''-mbu'' and ''-bu'' is also possible in order to form a passive causative construction: ''arambubumbi''  "have (something) written", lit. "make (something) be written".<ref name="Möllendorff 1892, 9"/>

===== Reciprocal =====
The reciprocal voice is formed with ''-ndu'': ''aisilambi'' "help" – ''aisilandumbi'' "help each other".

===== Associative =====
The associative voice is formed with ''-ca/-ce/-co'' or with ''-nu'': ''ilimbi'' "stand" – ''ilicambi'' "to stand together in a group“, ''afambi'' "fight" – ''afanumbi'' "fight together with others".