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
Modern English
“Using hurtful words when kind and truthful words are available is like choosing sour, unripe fruit while ripe fruit is ready to eat.”
Modern Interpretation
Using hurtful words when kind and truthful words are available is like choosing sour, unripe fruit while ripe fruit is ready to eat. We often have a choice in how we express the same message. For example, saying 'Please lower the volume' is wiser than insulting someone for making noise.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Using hurtful words when kind and truthful words are available is like choosing sour, unripe fruit while ripe fruit is ready to eat.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
To say disagreeable things when agreeable are at hand is like eating unripe fruit when there is ripe
Tamil commentary
மனத்திற்கு இன்பம் தரும் சொற்கள் இருக்க, அவற்றை விட்டுவிட்டுத் துன்பம் தரும் சொற்களைக் கூறுவது, நல்ல பழம் இருக்க நச்சுக்காயை உண்பது போலாகும்.
Chapter 10
More from The Utterance of Pleasant Words
இனியவை கூறல்
The words of Seers are lovely sweet Merciful and free from deceit
Kural 92Sweet words from smiling lips dispense More joys than heart's beneficence
Kural 93Calm face, sweet look, kind words from heart Such is the gracious virtue's part
Kural 94Whose loving words delight each one The woe of want from them is gone
Kural 95To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek
Kural 96His sins vanish, his virtues grow Whose fruitful words with sweetness flow
Kural 97The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds
Kural 98Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next
Kural 99Who sees the sweets of sweetness here To use harsh words how can he dare?
Kural 100Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits