Near-infrared spectra of SN 2016hnk at around 6.1 and 8.5 (±3.1) days and, as a comparison, spectra of SN 2011fe (normal SN Ia), iPTF13ebh (transitional SN Ia), and SN 1999by (SN Ia 1991bg-like). We also include delayed-detonation models for SN 1999by some 24−27 days after the explosion, which corresponds to about 8−11 days past-maximum light in the B band (see Sect. 6.2 for more details). The SN 2016hnk spectra are dominated in the J band by blends of singly-ionized iron group elements, Ca II, and Si II, while the H band appears very flat with the H-band break indicated in red. The two deep features at around 10 000 and 11 500 Å are only seen shallower in SN 1999by spectra.