Thirukkural 418 in English

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

Tamil original

கேட்பினுங் கேளாத் தகையவே கேள்வியால்
தோட்கப் படாத செவி.

Transliteration

Ketpinung Kelaath Thakaiyave Kelviyaal
Thotkap Pataadha Sevi

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear,The man may listen, but he scarce can hear

Plain-English Meaning

The ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf

கேள்வி ஞானத்தால் துளைக்கப்படாத செவிகள் ஓசைகளைக் கேட்டாலும் அவை செவிட்டுத் தன்மையவே.

Chapter 42

கேள்வி

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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