Thirukkural 127 in English

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

Tamil original

யாகாவா ராயினும் நாகாக்க காவாக்கால்
சோகாப்பர் சொல்லிழுக்குப் பட்டு.

Transliteration

Yaakaavaa Raayinum Naakaakka Kaavaakkaal
Sokaappar Sollizhukkup Pattu

English Translation

“Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes”

Plain-English meaning

Whatever besides you leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise errors of speech and the consequent misery will ensue

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes

G.U. Pope Translation

Whate'er they fail to guard, o'er lips men guard should keep;If not, through fault of tongue, they bitter tears shall weep

Plain-English Meaning

Whatever besides you leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise errors of speech and the consequent misery will ensue

எதைக் காக்க முடியாதவரானாலும் நா ஒன்றையாவது காத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். முடியாது போனால் சொல்குற்றத்தில் சிக்கித் துன்பப்படுவர்.

Chapter 13

அடக்கம் உடைமை

Self-rule leads to realms of gods Indulgence leads to gloomy hades

No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure

Knowing wisdom who lives controlled Name and fame seek him untold

Firmly fixed in self serene The sage looks grander than mountain

Humility is good for all To the rich it adds a wealth special

Who senses five like tortoise hold Their joy prolongs to births sevenfold

Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes

Even a single evil word Will turn all good results to bad

The fire-burnt wounds do find a cure Tongue-burnt wound rests a running sore

Virtue seeks and peeps to see Self-controlled savant anger free