Thirukkural 291 in English

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

Tamil original

வாய்மை எனப்படுவது யாதெனின் யாதொன்றும்
தீமை இலாத சொலல்.

Transliteration

Vaaimai Enappatuvadhu Yaadhenin Yaadhondrum
Theemai Ilaadha Solal

English Translation

“If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free”

Plain-English meaning

Truth is the speaking of such words as are free from the least degree of evil (to others)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free

G.U. Pope Translation

You ask, in lips of men what 'truth' may be;'Tis speech from every taint of evil free

Plain-English Meaning

Truth is the speaking of such words as are free from the least degree of evil (to others)

உண்மை என்று சொல்லப்படுவது எது என்றால், எவர்க்கும் எத்தகைய தீங்கையும் தராத சொற்களைச் சொல்வதே ஆகும்.

Chapter 30

வாய்மை

If \"What is truth\"? the question be, It is to speak out evil-free

E'en falsehood may for truth suffice, When good it brings removing vice

Let not a man knowingly lie; Conscience will scorch and make him sigh

He lives in loving hearts of all Who serves the Truth serene in soul

To speak the truth from heart sincere Is more than giving and living austere

Not to lie brings all the praise All virtues from Truth arise

Lie not lie not Naught else you need All virtues are in Truth indeed

Water makes you pure outward Truth renders you pure inward

All lights are not lights for the wise; Truth light is light bright like Sun-light

Of all the things we here have seen Nothing surpasses Truth serene!