Thirukkural 1159 in English

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

Tamil original

தொடிற்சுடின் அல்லது காமநோய் போல
விடிற்சுடல் ஆற்றுமோ தீ.

Transliteration

Thotirsutin Alladhu Kaamanoi Pola
Vitirsutal Aatrumo Thee

English Translation

“Can fire that burns by touch burn like Parting of the hearts love-sick?”

Plain-English meaning

Fire burns when touched; but, like the sickness of love, can it also burn when removed ?

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Can fire that burns by touch burn like Parting of the hearts love-sick?

G.U. Pope Translation

Fire burns the hands that touch; but smart of loveWill burn in hearts that far away remove

Plain-English Meaning

Fire burns when touched; but, like the sickness of love, can it also burn when removed ?

தீ தன்னைத் தொட்டவரைத்தான் சுடும்; காதல் நோயைப் போல அதை விட்டு அகன்றாலும் சுடுமோ?

Chapter 116

பிரிவு ஆற்றாமை

Tell me if you but do not leave, Your quick return to those who live

His sight itself was pleasing, near Embrace pains now by partings fear

On whom shall I lay my trust hence While parting lurks in knowing ones?

He parts whose love told me -fear not Is my trust in him at default?

Stop his parting -my life to save Meeting is rare if he would leave

His hardness says, \"I leave you now\" Is there hope of his renewed love?

Will not my gliding bangles' cry The parting of my lord betray?

Bitter is life in friendless place; Worse is parting love's embrace!

Can fire that burns by touch burn like Parting of the hearts love-sick?

Many survive pangs of parting Not I this sore so distressing