Kural 696Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

Thirukkural 696 in English

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

Tamil original

குறிப்பறிந்து காலங் கருதி வெறுப்பில
வேண்டுப வேட்பச் சொலல்.

Transliteration

Kuripparindhu Kaalang Karudhi Veruppila
Ventupa Vetpach Cholal

Modern English

“Understand the leader’s mood, choose the right time, and present useful ideas in a way they can accept.”

Modern Interpretation

Understand the leader’s mood, choose the right time, and present useful ideas in a way they can accept. Give feedback when your supervisor is ready to hear it, and frame it as a practical solution.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

Understand the leader’s mood, choose the right time, and present useful ideas in a way they can accept.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care,Things not displeasing, needful things, declare

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Knowing the (king's disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளருக்கு எதையேனும் சொல்ல விரும்பினால், ஆட்சியாளரின் அப்போதைய மனநிலையை அறிந்து தான் சொல்லக் கருதிய செய்திக்கு ஏற்ற சமயத்தையும் எண்ணி ஆட்சியாளருக்கு வெறுப்புத் தராததும், வேண்டியதும் ஆகிய காரியத்தை அவர் விரும்புமாறு சொல்லுக.

Chapter 70

More from Conduct in the Presence of the King

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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Kural 691

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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