OUTOFPAPUA database: Lexicons of the West Papuan language area

Entry record from Schapper (2020): Wersing Peitoko

kowas[koˈwas]

•  vi. rich; wealthy.kaya.

Nepa ba kowasa.My father is rich., Bapak saya kaya.

Etymology: Malay |fn{kuasa} 'power, force, might, vigor, able, capable, having the ability', ulitmately from Sanskrit |fn{vaśa} 'will, wish, desire'. Possible intermediate in South or Southeast Sulawesi, e.g., Tolaki |fn{kawasa} 'rich'.