Thirukkural 647 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சொலல்வல்லன் சோர்விலன் அஞ்சான் அவனை
இகல்வெல்லல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.
Transliteration
Solalvallan Sorvilan Anjaan Avanai
Ikalvellal Yaarkkum Aridhu
Modern English
“A person who speaks well, does not tire, and is not intimidated is very hard to defeat in an argument.”
Modern Interpretation
A person who speaks well, does not tire, and is not intimidated is very hard to defeat in an argument. For example, a calm advocate who knows the facts can continue defending a fair cause even when the room is hostile.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A person who speaks well, does not tire, and is not intimidated is very hard to defeat in an argument.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
No foe defies the speaker clear Flawless, puissant, and free from fear
G.U. Pope Translation
Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech,'Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
It is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid
Tamil commentary
தான் எண்ணியதைப் பிறர் ஏற்கச் சொல்லும் ஆற்றல் உள்ளவன், சொல்லும் செய்தி கடினமானது என்றாலும் சோர்வு இல்லாதவன், கேட்பவர் பகையாளர் என்றாலும் அஞ்சாதவன் இவன்மீது பகைகொண்டு வெல்வது எவர்க்கும் கடினமே.
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