Kural 695Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

Thirukkural 695 in English

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

Tamil original

எப்பொருளும் ஓரார் தொடரார்மற் றப்பொருளை
விட்டக்கால் கேட்க மறை.

Transliteration

Epporulum Oraar Thotaraarmar Rapporulai
Vittakkaal Ketka Marai

Modern English

“Do not listen in on a ruler’s private discussion or press for its contents; wait until it is shared with you.”

Modern Interpretation

Do not listen in on a ruler’s private discussion or press for its contents; wait until it is shared with you. If classmates are having a confidential conversation, do not hover or demand to know.

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Compare translations

Modern Plain English

Do not listen in on a ruler’s private discussion or press for its contents; wait until it is shared with you.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out

G.U. Pope Translation

Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear;But if he lets the matter forth, give ear

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

(When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளர் பிறருடன் ரகசியம் பேசம்போது காதுகொடுத்துக் கேட்காதே; என்ன பேச்சு என்று நீயாகக் கேளாதே; அதைப் பற்றி ஆட்சியாளரே சொன்னால் கேட்டுக் கொள்க.

Chapter 70

More from Conduct in the Presence of the King

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

Read all 10 Kurals →

Kural 691

Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far

Kural 692

Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour

Kural 693

Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress

Kural 694

Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage

Kural 695

Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out

Kural 696

Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well

Kural 697

Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile

Kural 698

As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might

Kural 699

The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace

Kural 700

Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold