Thirukkural 1017 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நாணால் உயிரைத் துறப்பர் உயிர்ப்பொருட்டால்
நாண்துறவார் நாணாள் பவர்.
Transliteration
Naanaal Uyiraith Thurappar Uyirpporuttaal
Naandhuravaar Naanaal Pavar
Modern English
“Those who deeply value modesty would rather accept a serious loss than protect themselves through a shameful act.”
Modern Interpretation
Those who deeply value modesty would rather accept a serious loss than protect themselves through a shameful act. For example, a student may give up an unfair advantage rather than win by cheating.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Those who deeply value modesty would rather accept a serious loss than protect themselves through a shameful act.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
For shame their life the shame-sensed give Loss of shame they won't outlive
G.U. Pope Translation
The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make,But ne'er abandon virtuous shame for life's dear sake
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life
Tamil commentary
நாணத்தின் சிறப்பை அறிந்து அதன் வழி நடப்பவர் நாணமா, உயிரா,என்ற நெருக்கடி வரும்போது உயிரையே விடுவர்; உயிரைக் காக்க நாணத்தை விடமாட்டார்.
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