Thirukkural 66 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

குழல்இனிது யாழ்இனிது என்பதம் மக்கள்
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர்.

Transliteration

Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham
Makkal Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar

English Translation

“The flute and lute are sweet they say Deaf to baby's babble's lay!”

Plain-English meaning

"The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The flute and lute are sweet they say Deaf to baby's babble's lay!

G.U. Pope Translation

'The pipe is sweet,' 'the lute is sweet,' by them't will be averred,Who music of their infants' lisping lips have never heard

Plain-English Meaning

"The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children

பெற்ற பிள்ளைகள் பேசும் பொருளற்ற மழலைச் சொல்லைக் கேட்காதவர்தாம், குழலும் யாழும் கேட்க இனியவை என்பர்.

Chapter 7

மக்கட்பேறு

The world no higher bliss bestows Than children virtuous and wise

No evil comes and no blemish; Noble sons bring all we wish

Children are one's wealth indeed Their wealth is measured by their deed

The food is more than nectar sweet In which one's children hands insert

Children's touch delights the body Sweet to ears are their words lovely

The flute and lute are sweet they say Deaf to baby's babble's lay!

A father's duty to his son is To seat him in front of the wise

With joy the hearts of parents swell To see their children themselves excel

The mother, hearing her son's merit Delights more than when she begot

The son to sire this word is debt \"What penance such a son begot!\"