Thirukkural 53 in English

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

Tamil original

இல்லதென் இல்லவள் மாண்பானால் உள்ளதென்
இல்லவள் மாணாக் கடை?

Transliteration

Illadhen Illaval Maanpaanaal Ulladhen
Illaval Maanaak Katai?

English Translation

“What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?”

Plain-English meaning

If his wife be eminent (in virtue), what does (that man) not possess ? If she be without excellence, what does (he) possess ?

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?

G.U. Pope Translation

There is no lack within the house, where wife in worth excels,There is no luck within the house, where wife dishonoured dwells

Plain-English Meaning

If his wife be eminent (in virtue), what does (that man) not possess ? If she be without excellence, what does (he) possess ?

நல்ல குணமும் நல்ல செயல்களும் உடையவனாய் மனைவி அமைந்துவிட்டால் ஒருவனுக்கு இல்லாததுதான் என்ன? அமையாவிட்டால் அவனிடம் இருப்பதுதான் என்ன?

Chapter 6

வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்

A good housewife befits the house, Spending with thrift the mate's resource

Bright is home when wife is chaste If not all greatness is but waste

What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?

What greater fortune is for men Than a constant chaste woman?

Her spouse before God who adores, Is like rain that at request pours

The good wife guards herself from blame, She tends her spouse and brings him fame

Of what avail are watch and ward? Their purity is women's guard

Women who win their husbands' heart Shall flourish where the gods resort

A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright

An honest wife is home's delight And children good are jewels abright