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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

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

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

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

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மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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Kural 694

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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

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Kural 699

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