Thirukkural 469 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நன்றாற்ற லுள்ளுந் தவுறுண்டு அவரவர்
பண்பறிந் தாற்றாக் கடை.
Transliteration
Nandraatra Lullun Thavuruntu Avaravar
Panparin Thaatraak Katai
Modern English
“Even a good action can go wrong when it ignores a person’s nature and situation.”
Modern Interpretation
Even a good action can go wrong when it ignores a person’s nature and situation. For example, advice that motivates one friend may embarrass another, so help should be offered with understanding.
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Modern Plain English
Even a good action can go wrong when it ignores a person’s nature and situation.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud
G.U. Pope Translation
Though well the work be done, yet one mistake is made,To habitudes of various men when no regard is paid
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
There are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men
Tamil commentary
அவர் அவர் குணநலன்களை அறிந்து செயல் ஆற்றாவிட்டால் நல்லது செய்வதிலும் பிழை நேர்ந்து விடும்.
Chapter 47
More from Acting after due Consideration
தெரிந்து செயல்வகை
Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain
Kural 462Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts
Kural 463The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all
Kural 464They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear
Kural 465Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes
Kural 466Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins
Kural 467Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need
Kural 468Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported
Kural 469Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud
Kural 470Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess