Comments:ТМС 1, 617-618. The Manchu word could be derived from MMong. nekun 'servant' (see Rozycki 161), on which see *nī̀k`e, but may as well be derived from *neku, with its meaning being a result of confusing the two roots. In Manchu we also have neku 'a woman's female friend', and in Jurch. - nekur 'friend', both of which can be borrowed < Mong. (see Rozycki 162). See also notes to *neŋu- (sub *nĕ́ŋu).