Thirukkural 645 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சொல்லுக சொல்லைப் பிறிதோர்சொல் அச்சொல்லை
வெல்லுஞ்சொல் இன்மை அறிந்து.
Transliteration
Solluka Sollaip Piridhorsol Achchollai
Vellunjol Inmai Arindhu
Modern English
“Say something only after testing whether your words are sound and can withstand a better reply.”
Modern Interpretation
Say something only after testing whether your words are sound and can withstand a better reply. For example, before making a strong claim in a debate, check the evidence and think through the strongest objection.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Say something only after testing whether your words are sound and can withstand a better reply.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Speak out thy world so that no word Can win it and say untoward
G.U. Pope Translation
Speak out your speech, when once 'tis past disputeThat none can utter speech that shall your speech refute
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can defeat your own
Tamil commentary
தாம் சொல்லும் சொல்லை வெல்ல, வேறொரு சொல் இல்லை என்பதை அறிந்து சொல்லுக.
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