Thirukkural 466 in English

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

Tamil original

செய்தக்க அல்ல செயக்கெடும் செய்தக்க
செய்யாமை யானுங் கெடும்.

Transliteration

Seydhakka Alla Seyak Ketum
Seydhakka Seyyaamai Yaanung Ketum

English Translation

“Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins”

Plain-English meaning

He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing;Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring

Plain-English Meaning

He will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to

செய்யக்கூடாதவற்றைச் செய்தாலும் செய்ய வேண்டியவற்றைச் செய்யாமல் விட்டாலும் அழிவு வரும்.

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