Thirukkural 1011 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கருமத்தால் நாணுதல் நாணுந் திருநுதல்
நல்லவர் நாணுப் பிற.
Transliteration
Karumaththaal Naanudhal Naanun Thirunudhal
Nallavar Naanup Pira
Modern English
“True modesty is feeling shame about doing wrong, not merely feeling shy.”
Modern Interpretation
True modesty is feeling shame about doing wrong, not merely feeling shy. For example, a student who admits copying an answer and makes amends shows real modesty.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
True modesty is feeling shame about doing wrong, not merely feeling shy.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame
G.U. Pope Translation
To shrink abashed from evil deed is 'generous shame';Other is that of bright-browed one of virtuous fame
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids
Tamil commentary
இழிவான செயல்களுக்கு வெட்கப்படுவதே அனைவர்க்கும் பொதுவான நாணம்; மற்றொன்று அழகிய நெற்றி கொண்ட பெண்களின் இயல்பான வெட்கம் ஆகும்.
Chapter 102
More from Shame
நாணுடைமை
To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame
Kural 1012Food, dress and such are one for all Modesty marks the higher soul
Kural 1013All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush
Kural 1014Shame is the jewel of dignity Shameless swagger is vanity
Kural 1015In them resides the sense of shame Who blush for their and other's blame
Kural 1016The great refuse the wonder-world Without modesty's hedge and shield
Kural 1017For shame their life the shame-sensed give Loss of shame they won't outlive
Kural 1018Virtue is much ashamed of him Who shameless does what others shame
Kural 1019Lapse in manners injures the race Want of shame harms every good grace
Kural 1020Movements of the shameless in heart Are string-led puppet show in fact