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
Modern English
“Even if you can't manage to control everything else about yourself, at least guard what comes out of your mouth, because careless words cause damage that's hard to undo.”
Modern Interpretation
Even if you can't manage to control everything else about yourself, at least guard what comes out of your mouth, because careless words cause damage that's hard to undo. For example, someone who can't always control their mood can still choose to stay quiet instead of snapping at a friend, avoiding an argument that didn't need to happen.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
Even if you can't manage to control everything else about yourself, at least guard what comes out of your mouth, because careless words cause damage that's hard to undo.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Whatever besides you leave unguarded, guard your tongue; otherwise errors of speech and the consequent misery will ensue
Tamil commentary
எதைக் காக்க முடியாதவரானாலும் நா ஒன்றையாவது காத்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். முடியாது போனால் சொல்குற்றத்தில் சிக்கித் துன்பப்படுவர்.
Chapter 13
More from The Possession of Self-restraint
அடக்கம் உடைமை
Self-rule leads to realms of gods Indulgence leads to gloomy hades
Kural 122No gains with self-control measure Guard with care this great treasure
Kural 123Knowing wisdom who lives controlled Name and fame seek him untold
Kural 124Firmly fixed in self serene The sage looks grander than mountain
Kural 125Humility is good for all To the rich it adds a wealth special
Kural 126Who senses five like tortoise hold Their joy prolongs to births sevenfold
Kural 127Rein the tongue if nothing else Or slips of tongue bring all the woes
Kural 128Even a single evil word Will turn all good results to bad
Kural 129The fire-burnt wounds do find a cure Tongue-burnt wound rests a running sore
Kural 130Virtue seeks and peeps to see Self-controlled savant anger free