Thirukkural 1258 in English

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

Tamil original

பன்மாயக் கள்வன் பணிமொழி அன்றோநம்
பெண்மை உடைக்கும் படை.

Transliteration

Panmaayak Kalvan Panimozhi Andronam
Penmai Utaikkum Patai

Modern English

“Clever, gentle words can break through a lover's firm resolve.”

Modern Interpretation

Clever, gentle words can break through a lover's firm resolve. A sincere apology from someone charming may soften anger that seemed unshakable.

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Modern Plain English

Clever, gentle words can break through a lover's firm resolve.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

The cheater of many wily arts His tempting words break through women's hearts

G.U. Pope Translation

The words of that deceiver, versed in every wily art,Are instruments that break through every guard of woman's heart

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Are not the enticing words of my trick-abounding roguish lover the weapon that breaks away my feminine firmness?

என் மன அடக்கமாகிய கோட்டையை அழிக்கும் ஆயுதம், பல பொய்த் தொழிலும் வல்ல இந்த மனத்திருடனின் பணிவான சொற்கள் அன்றோ!

Chapter 126

நிறையழிதல்

Passion's axe shall break the door Of reserve bolted with my honour

The thing called lust is a heartless power It sways my mind at midnight hour

How to hide this lust which shows Itself while I sneeze unawares!

I was proud of my sex-reserve Lo lust betrays what I preserve

Dignity seeks not a deserter But Love-sick is its innovator

O Grief, my deserter you seek Of your caprice what shall I speak!

When lover's love does what it desires We forget all shame unawares

The cheater of many wily arts His tempting words break through women's hearts

In huff I went and felt at ease Heat to heart in sweet embrace

To feign dislike is it not rare For mates who melt like fat in fire?