Kural 1274Chapter 128: The Reading of the Signs

Thirukkural 1274 in English

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

Tamil original

முகைமொக்குள் உள்ளது நாற்றம்போல் பேதை
நகைமொக்குள் உள்ளதொன் றுண்டு.

Transliteration

Mukaimokkul Ulladhu Naatrampol Pedhai
Nakaimokkul Ulladhon Runtu

Modern English

“A shy smile can hold a feeling that has not yet been openly expressed, like fragrance inside a closed bud.”

Modern Interpretation

A shy smile can hold a feeling that has not yet been openly expressed, like fragrance inside a closed bud. Someone may smile briefly at a loved one and quietly reveal their affection.

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Compare translations

Modern Plain English

A shy smile can hold a feeling that has not yet been openly expressed, like fragrance inside a closed bud.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Like scent in bud secrets conceal In the bosom of her half smile

G.U. Pope Translation

As fragrance in the opening bud, some secret liesConcealed in budding smile of this dear damsel's eyes

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

There is something in the unmatured smile of this maid like the fragrance that is contained in an unblossomed bud

Tamil commentary

மலராத அரும்புக்குள் நறுமணம் அடங்கியிருப்பது போலத்தான் ஒரு பெண்ணின் புன்னகையென்ற அரும்புக்குள் அவளது காதலனைப்பற்றிய நினைவும் நிரம்பியிருக்கிறது.

Chapter 128

Tamil pronunciation

Compare translations

Tamil commentary

More from The Reading of the Signs