Kural 643Chapter 65: Power of Speech

Thirukkural 643 in English

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

Tamil original

கேட்டார்ப் பிணிக்கும் தகையவாய்க் கேளாரும்
வேட்ப மொழிவதாம் சொல்.

Transliteration

Kettaarp Pinikkum Thakaiyavaaik Kelaarum
Vetpa Mozhivadhaam Sol

Modern English

“Good speech holds the attention of those listening and makes even uninterested people want to hear.”

Modern Interpretation

Good speech holds the attention of those listening and makes even uninterested people want to hear. For example, a presenter who explains an issue clearly and respectfully can engage both supporters and skeptics.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

Good speech holds the attention of those listening and makes even uninterested people want to hear.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear,While those who have not heard desire to hear

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

The (minister's) speech is that which seeks (to express) elements as bind his friends (to himself) and is so delivered as to make even his enemies desire (his friendship)

Tamil commentary

நண்பர்களைப் பிரிக்காமல் சேர்க்கும் தன்மையதாய்ப் பகைவரும் கேட்க விரும்புவதாய்ப் பேசவது சொல்லாற்றல். ( முன்பு கேட்டவர் மீண்டும் கேட்க, இதுவரை கேளாதவரும் விரும்பிக் கேட்கப் பேசுவது என்றும் கூறலாம்)

Chapter 65

More from Power of Speech

சொல்வன்மை

Read all 10 Kurals →

Kural 641

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

Kural 642

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

Kural 643

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

Kural 644

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

Kural 645

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

Kural 646

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

Kural 647

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

Kural 648

The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute

Kural 649

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

Kural 650

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