Thirukkural 574 in English

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

Tamil original

உளபோல் முகத்தெவன் செய்யும் அளவினால்
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்.

Transliteration

Ulapol Mukaththevan Seyyum Alavinaal
Kannottam Illaadha Kan

English Translation

“Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace”

Plain-English meaning

Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace

G.U. Pope Translation

The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light,When not with duly meted kindness bright

Plain-English Meaning

Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?

வரம்பிற்கு உட்பட்ட கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண், முகத்தில் இருப்பது போல் இருக்கிறதே தவிர, அதனால் வேறு என்ன பயன் உண்டு?

Chapter 58

கண்ணோட்டம்

Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes

World lives by looks of lovely worth Who lack them are burdens of earth

Of tuneless song what is the use? Without gracious looks what are eyes?

Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace

Kind looks are jewels for eyes to wear Without them they are felt as sore

Like trees on inert earth they grow Who don't eye to eye kindness show

Ungracious men lack real eyes Men of real eyes show benign grace

Who gracious are but dutiful Have right for this earth beautiful

To be benign and bear with foes Who vex us is true virtue's phase

Men of graceful courtesy Take hemlock and look cheerfully