Thirukkural 477 in English

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

Tamil original

ஆற்றின் அறவறிந்து ஈக அதுபொருள்
போற்றி வழங்கு நெறி.

Transliteration

Aatrin Aravarindhu Eeka Adhuporul
Potri Vazhangu Neri

English Translation

“Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure”

Plain-English meaning

Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure

G.U. Pope Translation

With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give!That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live

Plain-English Meaning

Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property

எதைப் பிறர்க்குக் கொடுத்தாலும் தம் பொருளாதார நிலையை அறிந்து கொடுக்கவும்; அப்படிக் கொடுப்பதே பொருளைக் காத்துக் கொண்டு, கொடுக்கும் முறையான வழியாகும்.

Chapter 48

வலியறிதல்

Judge act and might and foeman's strength The allies' strength and go at length

Nothing hampers the firm who know What they can and how to go

Many know not their meagre might Their pride breaks up in boastful fight

Who adapts not, outsteps measure And brags himself-his fall is sure

Even the gentle peacock's plume Cart's axle breaks by gross volume

Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips

Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure

The outflow must not be excess No matter how small income is

Who does not know to live in bounds His life seems rich but thins and ends

Wealth amassed quickly vanishes Sans level if one lavishes