Thirukkural 1012 in English

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

Tamil original

ஊணுடை எச்சம் உயிர்க்கெல்லாம் வேறல்ல
நாணுடைமை மாந்தர் சிறப்பு.

Transliteration

Oonutai Echcham Uyirkkellaam Veralla
Naanutaimai Maandhar Sirappu

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Food, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Food, clothing, and other things alike all beings own;By sense of shame the excellence of men is known

Plain-English Meaning

Food, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good

உணவு, உடை இன்னும் பிற சிறப்புகள், எல்லா மனிதர்க்கும் ஒன்றே; நல்ல மனிதர்க்குச் சிறப்பாவது நாண் உடைமையே.

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