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
Modern English
“The playful sounds of a child can be more precious to a loving parent than beautiful music.”
Modern Interpretation
The playful sounds of a child can be more precious to a loving parent than beautiful music. The verse uses exaggeration to show the emotional delight of family affection. For example, a parent may enjoy a child's imperfect song or funny story more than a polished performance by a professional musician.
Listen
Tamil pronunciation
Compare translations
Modern Plain English
The playful sounds of a child can be more precious to a loving parent than beautiful music.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
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
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
"The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children
Tamil commentary
பெற்ற பிள்ளைகள் பேசும் பொருளற்ற மழலைச் சொல்லைக் கேட்காதவர்தாம், குழலும் யாழும் கேட்க இனியவை என்பர்.
Chapter 7
More from The Wealth of Children
மக்கட்பேறு
The world no higher bliss bestows Than children virtuous and wise
Kural 62No evil comes and no blemish; Noble sons bring all we wish
Kural 63Children are one's wealth indeed Their wealth is measured by their deed
Kural 64The food is more than nectar sweet In which one's children hands insert
Kural 65Children's touch delights the body Sweet to ears are their words lovely
Kural 66The flute and lute are sweet they say Deaf to baby's babble's lay!
Kural 67A father's duty to his son is To seat him in front of the wise
Kural 68With joy the hearts of parents swell To see their children themselves excel
Kural 69The mother, hearing her son's merit Delights more than when she begot
Kural 70The son to sire this word is debt \"What penance such a son begot!\"