Thirukkural 650 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இணருழ்த்தும் நாறா மலரனையர் கற்றது
உணர விரித்துரையா தார்.
Transliteration
Inaruzhththum Naaraa Malaranaiyar Katradhu
Unara Viriththuraiyaa Thaar
Modern English
“People who cannot explain what they have learned so that others understand are like flowers that bloom without fragrance.”
Modern Interpretation
People who cannot explain what they have learned so that others understand are like flowers that bloom without fragrance. For example, knowing a lesson is not enough if you cannot teach its main point clearly to a classmate.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who cannot explain what they have learned so that others understand are like flowers that bloom without fragrance.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who can't express what they have learnt Are bunch of flowers not fragrant
G.U. Pope Translation
Like scentless flower in blooming garland boundAre men who can't their lore acquired to other's ears expound
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance
Tamil commentary
தான் கற்றதைப் பிறர் மனங்கொள்ள விளக்கிச்சொல்லும் ஆற்றல் அற்றவர், கொத்தாக மலர்ந்தும் மணக்காத மலர் போன்றவர்.
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