Thirukkural 419 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நுணங்கிய கேள்விய ரல்லார் வணங்கிய
வாயின ராதல் அரிது.
Transliteration
Nunangiya Kelviya Rallaar Vanangiya
Vaayina Raadhal Aridhu
Modern English
“Careful listening teaches humility and respectful speech; without it, confidence can become rudeness.”
Modern Interpretation
Careful listening teaches humility and respectful speech; without it, confidence can become rudeness. For example, a person who asks questions before interrupting is more likely to speak kindly and wisely.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Careful listening teaches humility and respectful speech; without it, confidence can become rudeness.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A modest mouth is hard for those Who care little to counsels wise
G.U. Pope Translation
'Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word,When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is a rare thing to find modesty, a reverend mouth- with those who have not received choice instruction
Tamil commentary
நுண்ணிய கேள்வி ஞானம் இல்லாதவர், பணிவுமிக்க சொற்களைப் பேசுபவராக ஆவது கடினம்.
Chapter 42
More from Hearing
கேள்வி
Wealth of wealths is listening's wealth It is the best of wealths on earth
Kural 412Some food for the stomach is brought When the ear gets no food for thought
Kural 413Whose ears get lots of wisdom-food Equal gods on oblations fed
Kural 414Though not learned, hear and heed That serves a staff and stay in need
Kural 415Virtuous men's wisdom is found A strong staff on slippery ground
Kural 416Lend ear to good words however few That much will highly exalt you
Kural 417Who listen well and learn sharply Not ev'n by slip speak foolishly
Kural 418That ear though hearing is dulled Which is not by wisdom drilled
Kural 419A modest mouth is hard for those Who care little to counsels wise
Kural 420Who taste by mouth and not by ear What if they fare ill or well here?