Thirukkural 412 in English

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

Tamil original

செவுக்குண வில்லாத போழ்து சிறிது
வயிற்றுக்கும் ஈயப் படும்.

Transliteration

Sevikkuna Villaadha Pozhdhu Siridhu
Vayitrukkum Eeyap Patum

Modern English

“When there is no chance to feed the mind through good conversation or teaching, even a little food can satisfy the body.”

Modern Interpretation

When there is no chance to feed the mind through good conversation or teaching, even a little food can satisfy the body. For example, during a quiet break, sharing a useful lesson can matter more than simply filling the time with snacks.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

When there is no chance to feed the mind through good conversation or teaching, even a little food can satisfy the body.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Some food for the stomach is brought When the ear gets no food for thought

G.U. Pope Translation

When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feedWith trifling dole of food supply the body's need

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach

Tamil commentary

செவிக்கு உணவாகிய கேள்வி கிடைக்காதபோது, வயிற்றுக்கும் சிறிது உணவு இடப்படும்.

Chapter 42

More from Hearing

கேள்வி

Read all 10 Kurals →

Kural 411

Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth

Kural 412

Some food for the stomach is brought When the ear gets no food for thought

Kural 413

Whose ears get lots of wisdom-food Equal gods on oblations fed

Kural 414

Though not learned, hear and heed That serves a staff and stay in need

Kural 415

Virtuous men's wisdom is found A strong staff on slippery ground

Kural 416

Lend ear to good words however few That much will highly exalt you

Kural 417

Who listen well and learn sharply Not ev'n by slip speak foolishly

Kural 418

That ear though hearing is dulled Which is not by wisdom drilled

Kural 419

A modest mouth is hard for those Who care little to counsels wise

Kural 420

Who taste by mouth and not by ear What if they fare ill or well here?