Thirukkural 707 in English

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

Tamil original

முகத்தின் முதுக்குறைந்தது உண்டோ உவப்பினும்
காயினும் தான்முந் துறும்.

Transliteration

Mukaththin Mudhukkuraindhadhu Unto Uvappinum
Kaayinum Thaanmun Thurum

English Translation

“Than face what is subtler to tell First if the mind feels well or ill”

Plain-English meaning

Is there anything so full of knowledge as the face ? (No) it precedes the mind, whether (the latter is) pleased or vexed

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Than face what is subtler to tell First if the mind feels well or ill

G.U. Pope Translation

Than speaking countenance hath aught more prescient skill?Rejoice or burn with rage, 'tis the first herald still

Plain-English Meaning

Is there anything so full of knowledge as the face ? (No) it precedes the mind, whether (the latter is) pleased or vexed

ஒருவன் மனத்தால் விரும்பினாலும் வெறுத்தாலும் அதை வெளிக்காட்டுவதில் முந்தி நிற்கும் முகத்தைக் காட்டிலும் அறிவு மிக்கது வேறு உண்டோ?

Chapter 71

குறிப்பறிதல்

Who reads the mind by look, untold Adorns the changeless sea-girt world

Take him as God who reads the thought Of another man with without a doubt

By sign who scans the sign admit At any cost in cabinet

Untold, he who divines the thought Though same in form is quite apart

Among senses what for is eye If thought by thought one can't descry?

What throbs in mind the face reflects Just as mirror nearby objects

Than face what is subtler to tell First if the mind feels well or ill

Just standing in front would suffice For those who read the mind on face

Friend or foe the eyes will show To those who changing outlooks know

The scale of keen discerning minds Is eye and eye that secrets finds