Thirukkural 682 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அன்பறிவு ஆராய்ந்த சொல்வன்மை தூதுரைப்பார்க்கு
இன்றி யமையாத மூன்று.
Transliteration
Anparivu Aaraaindha Solvanmai Thoodhuraippaarkku
Indri Yamaiyaadha Moondru
Modern English
“A messenger needs loyalty, understanding, and the skill to choose words carefully.”
Modern Interpretation
A messenger needs loyalty, understanding, and the skill to choose words carefully. When speaking for a team, know its needs and explain them clearly without creating needless conflict.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A messenger needs loyalty, understanding, and the skill to choose words carefully.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Envoys must bear love for their prince Knowledge and learned eloquence
G.U. Pope Translation
Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things,Should he possess who speaks the words of kings
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Love (to his sovereign), knowledge (of his affairs), and a discriminating power of speech (before other sovereigns) are the three sine qua non qualifications of an ambassador
Tamil commentary
அன்பு நாட்டிற்கு நல்லது அறியும் அறிவு, அடுத்தவரிடம் பேசும்போது தேர்ந்து எண்ணிச் சொல்லும் சொல்லாற்றல் இவை மூன்றும் தூதர்க்கு இன்றியமையாதன.
Chapter 69
More from The Envoy
தூது
Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy
Kural 682Envoys must bear love for their prince Knowledge and learned eloquence
Kural 683Savant among savants, he pleads Before lanced king, triumphant words
Kural 684Who has these three: good form, sense, lore Can act as bold ambassador
Kural 685Not harsh, the envoy's winsome ways Does good by pleasant words concise
Kural 686Learned; fearless, the envoy tends Convincing words which time demands
Kural 687Knowing duty time and place The envoy employs mature phrase
Kural 688The true envoy of three virtues Is pure helpful and bold in views
Kural 689The envoy who ports the king's message Has flawless words and heart's courage
Kural 690Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy