Thirukkural 681 in English

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

Tamil original

அன்புடைமை ஆன்ற குடிப்பிறத்தல் வேந்தவாம்
பண்புடைமை தூதுரைப்பான் பண்பு.

Transliteration

Anputaimai Aandra Kutippiraththal Vendhavaam
Panputaimai Thoodhuraippaan Panpu

English Translation

“Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy”

Plain-English meaning

The qualification of an ambassador are affection (for his relations) a fitting birth, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy

G.U. Pope Translation

Benevolence high birth, the courtesy kings love:-These qualities the envoy of a king approve

Plain-English Meaning

The qualification of an ambassador are affection (for his relations) a fitting birth, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty

நாட்டு மக்கள், அரசு, உறவு இவற்றின் மீது அன்பும், நற்குணம் நிறைந்த குடிப்பிறப்பும், அரசு விரும்பும் பண்பும் கொண்டிருப்பவரே தூதர்.

Chapter 69

தூது

Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy

Envoys must bear love for their prince Knowledge and learned eloquence

Savant among savants, he pleads Before lanced king, triumphant words

Who has these three: good form, sense, lore Can act as bold ambassador

Not harsh, the envoy's winsome ways Does good by pleasant words concise

Learned; fearless, the envoy tends Convincing words which time demands

Knowing duty time and place The envoy employs mature phrase

The true envoy of three virtues Is pure helpful and bold in views

The envoy who ports the king's message Has flawless words and heart's courage

Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy