Thirukkural 641 in English

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

Tamil original

நாநலம் என்னும் நலனுடைமை அந்நலம்
யாநலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று.

Transliteration

Naanalam Ennum Nalanutaimai Annalam
Yaanalaththu Ulladhooum Andru

English Translation

“The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach”

Plain-English meaning

The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach

G.U. Pope Translation

A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain,It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain

Plain-English Meaning

The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness

நாவினால் பேசிக் காரியத்தை வெற்றிகரமாக முடிக்கும் திறமை என்னும் சிறப்பு வேறு எந்தச் சிறப்பிலும் அடங்காத தனிச்சிறப்பாகும்.

Chapter 65

சொல்வன்மை

The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach

Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue

A speech is speech that holds ears And attracts ev'n those that are averse

Weigh thy words and speak; because No wealth or virtue words surpass

Speak out thy world so that no word Can win it and say untoward

Spotless men speak what is sweet And grasp in others what is meet

No foe defies the speaker clear Flawless, puissant, and free from fear

The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute

They overspeak who do not seek A few and flawless words to speak

Who can't express what they have learnt Are bunch of flowers not fragrant