Thirukkural 461 in English

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

Tamil original

அழிவதூஉம் ஆவதூஉம் ஆகி வழிபயக்கும்
ஊதியமும் சூழ்ந்து செயல்.

Transliteration

Azhivadhooum Aavadhooum Aaki Vazhipayakkum
Oodhiyamum Soozhndhu Seyal

English Translation

“Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain”

Plain-English meaning

Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain

G.U. Pope Translation

Expenditure, return, and profit of the deedIn time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed

Plain-English Meaning

Let a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act

ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போது வரும் நட்டத்தையும், பின் விளைவையும் பார்த்து, அதற்குப்பின் வரும் லாபத்தையும் கணக்கிட்டுச் செய்க.

Chapter 47

தெரிந்து செயல்வகை

Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain

Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts

The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all

They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear

Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes

Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins

Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need

Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported

Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud

Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess