Thirukkural 1099 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஏதிலார் போலப் பொதுநோக்கு நோக்குதல்
காதலார் கண்ணே உள.
Transliteration
Edhilaar Polap Podhunokku Nokkudhal
Kaadhalaar Kanne Ula
Modern English
“Lovers may look at each other in public as if they were strangers.”
Modern Interpretation
Lovers may look at each other in public as if they were strangers. At a family gathering, two people in love might keep their faces neutral while sharing a private understanding.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Lovers may look at each other in public as if they were strangers.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Between lovers we do discern A stranger's look of unconcern
G.U. Pope Translation
The look indifferent, that would its love disguise,Is only read aright by lovers' eyes
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Both the lovers are capable of looking at each other in an ordinary way, as if they were perfect strangers
Tamil commentary
முன்பின் தெரியாதவர் போல, பொதுவாக பார்த்தப் பேசுவது காதலர்களிடம் இருக்கும் குணந்தான்.
Chapter 110
More from Recognition of the Signs
குறிப்பறிதல்
Her painted eyes, two glances dart One hurts; the other heals my heart
Kural 1092Her furtive lightning glance is more Than enjoyment of sexual lore
Kural 1093She looked; looking bowed her head And love-plant was with water fed
Kural 1094I look; she droops to earth awhile I turn; she looks with gentle smile
Kural 1095No direct gaze; a side-long glance She darts at me and smiles askance
Kural 1096Their words at first seem an offence But quick we feel them friendly ones
Kural 1097Harsh little words; offended looks, Are feigned consenting love-lorn tricks
Kural 1098What a grace the slim maid has! As I look she slightly smiles
Kural 1099Between lovers we do discern A stranger's look of unconcern
Kural 1100The words of mouth are of no use When eye to eye agrees the gaze