Kural 1094Chapter 110: Recognition of the Signs

Thirukkural 1094 in English

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

Tamil original

யான்நோக்கும் காலை நிலன்நோக்கும் நோக்காக்கால்
தான்நோக்கி மெல்ல நகும்.

Transliteration

Yaannokkum Kaalai Nilannokkum Nokkaakkaal
Thaannokki Mella Nakum

Modern English

“When he looks at her, she looks at the ground; when he looks away, she watches him and smiles softly.”

Modern Interpretation

When he looks at her, she looks at the ground; when he looks away, she watches him and smiles softly. A shy person may avoid eye contact during a conversation but smile when they think they are unobserved.

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Modern Plain English

When he looks at her, she looks at the ground; when he looks away, she watches him and smiles softly.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

I look; she droops to earth awhile I turn; she looks with gentle smile

G.U. Pope Translation

I look on her: her eyes are on the ground the while:I look away: she looks on me with timid smile

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

When I look, she looks down; when I do not, she looks and smiles gently

Tamil commentary

நான் அவளை பார்க்கும்போது தலைகுனிந்து நிலத்தைப் பார்ப்பாள், நான் பார்க்காதபோதோ என்னைப் பார்த்து மெல்ல தனக்குள்ளே சிரிப்பாள்.

Chapter 110

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Her painted eyes, two glances dart One hurts; the other heals my heart

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Her furtive lightning glance is more Than enjoyment of sexual lore

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She looked; looking bowed her head And love-plant was with water fed

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I look; she droops to earth awhile I turn; she looks with gentle smile

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Their words at first seem an offence But quick we feel them friendly ones

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Harsh little words; offended looks, Are feigned consenting love-lorn tricks

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What a grace the slim maid has! As I look she slightly smiles

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Between lovers we do discern A stranger's look of unconcern

Kural 1100

The words of mouth are of no use When eye to eye agrees the gaze