Thirukkural 646 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வேட்பத்தாஞ் சொல்லிப் பிறர்சொல் பயன்கோடல்
மாட்சியின் மாசற்றார் கோள்.
Transliteration
Vetpaththaanj Chollip Pirarsol Payankotal
Maatchiyin Maasatraar Kol
Modern English
“Speak so people want to keep listening, and when others speak, look for the useful meaning rather than clinging to their flaws.”
Modern Interpretation
Speak so people want to keep listening, and when others speak, look for the useful meaning rather than clinging to their flaws. For example, in a group discussion, present your idea warmly and still learn from a rough but valuable suggestion.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Speak so people want to keep listening, and when others speak, look for the useful meaning rather than clinging to their flaws.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Spotless men speak what is sweet And grasp in others what is meet
G.U. Pope Translation
Charming each hearer's ear, of others' words to seize the sense,Is method wise of men of spotless excellence
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is the opinion of those who are free from defects in diplomacy that the minister should speak so as to make his hearers desire (to hear more) and grasp the meaning of what he hears himself
Tamil commentary
பிறரிடம் பேசும்போது அவர் திரும்பவும் நம் பேச்சைக் கேட்க விரும்புமாறு பேச்சு; மற்றவர் பேச்சைக் கேட்கும் போது அவரது சொற்குற்றம் பரவாமல் பொருளை மட்டுமே பார்க்க; இதுவே மனக்குற்றம் அற்றவர்களின் சிறந்த கொள்கை.
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