Thirukkural 142 in English

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

Tamil original

அறன்கடை நின்றாருள் எல்லாம் பிறன்கடை
நின்றாரின் பேதையார் இல்.

Transliteration

Arankatai Nindraarul Ellaam Pirankatai
Nindraarin Pedhaiyaar Il

English Translation

“He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door”

Plain-English meaning

Among all those who stand on the outside of virtue, there are no greater fools than those who stand outside their neighbour's door

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door

G.U. Pope Translation

No fools, of all that stand from virtue's pale shut out,Like those who longing lurk their neighbour's gate without

Plain-English Meaning

Among all those who stand on the outside of virtue, there are no greater fools than those who stand outside their neighbour's door

பாவ வழியில் நடக்கும் மனிதருள் எல்லாம், அடுத்தவன் மனைவியை விரும்பி அவன் வாசலில் நிற்கும் மூடனைப் போன்ற கடை நிலை மனிதர் வேறு இல்லை

Chapter 15

பிறனில் விழையாமை

Who know the wealth and virtue's way After other's wife do not stray

He is the worst law breaking boor Who haunts around his neighbour's door

The vile are dead who evil aim And put faithful friends' wives to shame

Their boasted greatness means nothing When to another's wife they cling

Who trifles with another's wife His guilty stain will last for life

Hatred, sin, fear, and shame-these four Stain adulterers ever more

He is the righteous householder His neighbour's wife who covets never

They lead a high-souled manly life The pure who eye not another's wife

Good in storm bound earth is with those Who clasp not arms of another's spouse

Sinners breaking virtue's behest Lust not for another's wife at least