Thirukkural 452 in English

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

Tamil original

நிலத்தியல்பால் நீர்திரிந் தற்றாகும் மாந்தர்க்கு
இனத்தியல்ப தாகும் அறிவு.

Transliteration

Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku
Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu

English Translation

“With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state”

Plain-English meaning

As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state

G.U. Pope Translation

The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow;As man's companionship so will his wisdom show

Plain-English Meaning

As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates

தான் சேர்ந்த நிலத்தின் தன்மையால் நீர் தன் இயல்பை இழந்து, நிலத்தின் இயல்பாகவே மாறிவிடும்; மனிதரின் அறிவும் அவர் சேர்ந்த இனத்தின் இயல்பாகவே ஆகிவிடும்.

Chapter 46

சிற்றினம் சேராமை

The ignoble the noble fear The mean hold them as kinsmen dear

With soil changes water's taste With mates changes the mental state

Wisdom depends upon the mind The worth of man upon his friend

Wisdom seems to come from mind But it truly flows from the kind

Purity of the thought and deed Comes from good company indeed

Pure-hearted get good progeny Pure friendship acts with victory

Goodness of mind increases gain Good friendship fosters fame again

Men of wisdom, though good in mind In friends of worth a new strength find

Good mind decides the future bliss Good company gains strength to this

No help good company exeeds; The bad to untold anguish leads