Thirukkural 700 in English

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

Tamil original

பழையம் எனக்கருதிப் பண்பல்ல செய்யும்
கெழுதகைமை கேடு தரும்.

Transliteration

Pazhaiyam Enakkarudhip Panpalla Seyyum
Kezhudhakaimai Ketu Tharum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Who think 'We're ancient friends' and do unseemly things;To these familiarity sure ruin brings

Plain-English Meaning

The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin

ஆட்சியாளருடன் நமக்கு நீண்ட நாள் பழக்கம் உண்டு என்று எண்ணித் தீய செயல்களைச் செய்யும் மனஉரிமை ஒருவருக்குக் கெடுதியையே தரும்.

Chapter 70

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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