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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

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

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

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

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

Chapter 110

குறிப்பறிதல்

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

Her furtive lightning glance is more Than enjoyment of sexual lore

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

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

No direct gaze; a side-long glance She darts at me and smiles askance

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

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

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

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

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