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

English Translation

“To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame”

Plain-English meaning

True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids

இழிவான செயல்களுக்கு வெட்கப்படுவதே அனைவர்க்கும் பொதுவான நாணம்; மற்றொன்று அழகிய நெற்றி கொண்ட பெண்களின் இயல்பான வெட்கம் ஆகும்.

Chapter 102

நாணுடைமை

To shrink from evil deed is shame The rest is blush of fair-faced dame

Food, dress and such are one for all Modesty marks the higher soul

All lives have their lodge in flesh Perfection has its home in blush

Shame is the jewel of dignity Shameless swagger is vanity

In them resides the sense of shame Who blush for their and other's blame

The great refuse the wonder-world Without modesty's hedge and shield

For shame their life the shame-sensed give Loss of shame they won't outlive

Virtue is much ashamed of him Who shameless does what others shame

Lapse in manners injures the race Want of shame harms every good grace

Movements of the shameless in heart Are string-led puppet show in fact