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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance

தான் கற்றதைப் பிறர் மனங்கொள்ள விளக்கிச்சொல்லும் ஆற்றல் அற்றவர், கொத்தாக மலர்ந்தும் மணக்காத மலர் போன்றவர்.

Chapter 65

சொல்வன்மை

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute

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

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