Thirukkural 396 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தொட்டனைத் தூறும் மணற்கேணி மாந்தர்க்குக்
கற்றனைத் தூறும் அறிவு.
Transliteration
Thottanaith Thoorum Manarkeni Maandharkkuk
Katranaith Thoorum Arivu
Modern English
“Knowledge grows with study just as water rises from a well as it is dug deeper.”
Modern Interpretation
Knowledge grows with study just as water rises from a well as it is dug deeper. For example, practicing a language a little every day steadily gives someone more words and confidence.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Knowledge grows with study just as water rises from a well as it is dug deeper.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
As deep you dig the sand spring flows As deep you learn the knowledge grows
G.U. Pope Translation
In sandy soil, when deep you delve, you reach the springs below;The more you learn, the freer streams of wisdom flow
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Water will flow from a well in the sand in proportion to the depth to which it is dug, and knowledge will flow from a man in proportion to his learning
Tamil commentary
மணலில் தோண்டிய அளவு சிறு குளத்தில் நீர் ஊறும்; மக்கள் கற்ற அளவே அறிவும் வளரும்.
Chapter 40
More from Learning
கல்வி
Lore worth learning, learn flawlessly Live by that learning thoroughly
Kural 392Letter, number, art and science Of living kind both are the eyes
Kural 393The learned alone have eyes on face The ignorant two sores of disgrace
Kural 394To meet with joy and part with thought Of learned men this is the art
Kural 395Like poor before rich they yearn: For knowledge: the low never learn
Kural 396As deep you dig the sand spring flows As deep you learn the knowledge grows
Kural 397All lands and towns are learner's own Why not till death learning go on!
Kural 398The joy of learning in one birth Exalts man upto his seventh
Kural 399The learned foster learning more On seeing the world enjoy their lore
Kural 400Learning is wealth none could destroy Nothing else gives genuine joy