Kural 1271Chapter 128: The Reading of the Signs

Thirukkural 1271 in English

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

Tamil original

கரப்பினுங் கையிகந் தொல்லாநின் உண்கண்
உரைக்கல் உறுவதொன் றுண்டு.

Transliteration

Karappinung Kaiyikan Thollaanin Unkan
Uraikkal Uruvadhon Runtu

Modern English

“Words can be hidden, but the eyes often reveal feelings that cannot be restrained.”

Modern Interpretation

Words can be hidden, but the eyes often reveal feelings that cannot be restrained. A person may say they are fine while their expression clearly shows they miss someone.

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Modern Plain English

Words can be hidden, but the eyes often reveal feelings that cannot be restrained.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

You hide; but your painted eyes Restraint off, report your surmise

G.U. Pope Translation

Thou hid'st it, yet thine eye, disdaining all restraint,Something, I know not, what, would utter of complaint

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Though you would conceal (your feelings), your painted eyes would not, for, transgressing (their bounds), they tell (me) something

Tamil commentary

நீ சொல்லாது மறைத்தாலும், மறைக்க உடன்படாமல், உன் மை தீட்டப் பெற்ற கண்களே எனக்குச் சொல்ல விரும்பும் செய்தி ஒன்று உண்டு.

Chapter 128

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