Thirukkural 100 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்
கனிஇருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

Transliteration

Iniya Ulavaaka Innaadha Kooral
Kaniiruppak Kaaikavarn Thatru

English Translation

“Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits”

Plain-English meaning

To say disagreeable things when agreeable are at hand is like eating unripe fruit when there is ripe

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits

G.U. Pope Translation

When pleasant words are easy, bitter words to use,Is, leaving sweet ripe fruit, the sour unripe to choose

Plain-English Meaning

To say disagreeable things when agreeable are at hand is like eating unripe fruit when there is ripe

மனத்திற்கு இன்பம் தரும் சொற்கள் இருக்க, அவற்றை விட்டுவிட்டுத் துன்பம் தரும் சொற்களைக் கூறுவது, நல்ல பழம் இருக்க நச்சுக்காயை உண்பது போலாகும்.

Chapter 10

இனியவை கூறல்

The words of Seers are lovely sweet Merciful and free from deceit

Sweet words from smiling lips dispense More joys than heart's beneficence

Calm face, sweet look, kind words from heart Such is the gracious virtue's part

Whose loving words delight each one The woe of want from them is gone

To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek

His sins vanish, his virtues grow Whose fruitful words with sweetness flow

The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds

Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next

Who sees the sweets of sweetness here To use harsh words how can he dare?

Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits