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
Modern English
“Skillful speech is a special kind of wealth because it can open understanding and cooperation.”
Modern Interpretation
Skillful speech is a special kind of wealth because it can open understanding and cooperation. For example, a young person who explains an idea clearly may gain support that knowledge alone would not bring.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Skillful speech is a special kind of wealth because it can open understanding and cooperation.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness
Tamil commentary
நாவினால் பேசிக் காரியத்தை வெற்றிகரமாக முடிக்கும் திறமை என்னும் சிறப்பு வேறு எந்தச் சிறப்பிலும் அடங்காத தனிச்சிறப்பாகும்.
Chapter 65
More from Power of Speech
சொல்வன்மை
The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach
Kural 642Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue
Kural 643A speech is speech that holds ears And attracts ev'n those that are averse
Kural 644Weigh thy words and speak; because No wealth or virtue words surpass
Kural 645Speak out thy world so that no word Can win it and say untoward
Kural 646Spotless men speak what is sweet And grasp in others what is meet
Kural 647No foe defies the speaker clear Flawless, puissant, and free from fear
Kural 648The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute
Kural 649They overspeak who do not seek A few and flawless words to speak
Kural 650Who can't express what they have learnt Are bunch of flowers not fragrant