Thirukkural 489 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
எய்தற் கரியது இயைந்தக்கால் அந்நிலையே
செய்தற் கரிய செயல்.
Transliteration
Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye
Seydhar Kariya Seyal
Modern English
“When a rare opportunity appears, act while it is available.”
Modern Interpretation
When a rare opportunity appears, act while it is available. For example, apply for a scholarship before its short deadline instead of waiting for a better chance that may never come.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When a rare opportunity appears, act while it is available.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
When comes the season ripe and rare Dare and do hard things then and there
G.U. Pope Translation
When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won,With promptitude let hardest deed be done
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity)
Tamil commentary
அடைவதற்கு அரியதை அடைவதற்கு ஏற்ற காலம் வந்து விட்டால் அப்பொழுதே தான் செய்வதற்கு அரிய செயல்களைச் செய்து கொள்க.
Chapter 49
More from Knowing the fitting Time
காலமறிதல்
By day the crow defeats the owl Kings need right time their foes to quell
Kural 482Well-ordered seasoned act is cord That fortune binds in bon accord
Kural 483What is hard for him who acts With proper means and time and tacts?
Kural 484Choose proper time and act and place Even the world you win with ease
Kural 485Who want to win the world sublime Wait unruffled biding their time
Kural 486By self-restraint stalwarts keep fit Like rams retreating but to butt
Kural 487The wise jut not their vital fire They watch their time with hidden ire
Kural 488Bear with hostiles when you meet them Fell down their head in fateful time
Kural 489When comes the season ripe and rare Dare and do hard things then and there
Kural 490In waiting time feign peace like stork In fighting time strike like its peck