Thirukkural 717 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கற்றறிந்தார் கல்வி விளங்கும் கசடறச்
சொல்தெரிதல் வல்லார் அகத்து.
Transliteration
Katrarindhaar Kalvi Vilangum Kasatarach
Choldheridhal Vallaar Akaththu
Modern English
“Learning truly shines when it is expressed clearly before people who can examine every word.”
Modern Interpretation
Learning truly shines when it is expressed clearly before people who can examine every word. A student's careful explanation stands out in a discussion where classmates ask thoughtful questions.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Learning truly shines when it is expressed clearly before people who can examine every word.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The learning of the learned shines Valued by flawless scholar-minds
G.U. Pope Translation
The learning of the learned sage shines brightTo those whose faultless skill can value it aright
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The learning of those who have read and understood (much) will shine in the assembly of those who faultlessly examine (the nature of) words
Tamil commentary
சொற்களைப் பிழை இல்லாமல் பொருள் அறியும் ஆற்றல் படைத்தவர் கூடிய அவையில் பேசும்போது, பலவகை நூல்களையும் கற்று, அவற்றின் சிறப்பை அறிந்த பேச்சாளரின் கல்வித்திறம் அனைவருக்கும் விளங்கும்.
Chapter 72
More from The Knowledge of the Council Chamber
அவை அறிதல்
The pure in thought and eloquence Adapt their words to audience
Kural 712Who know the art of speech shall suit Their chosen words to time in fact
Kural 713They speak in vain at length who talk Words unversed which ears don't take
Kural 714Before the bright be brilliant light Before the muff be mortar white
Kural 715Modest restraint all good excels Which argues not before elders
Kural 716Tongue-slip before the talented wise is like slipping from righteous ways
Kural 717The learning of the learned shines Valued by flawless scholar-minds
Kural 718To address understanding ones Is to water beds of growing grains
Kural 719O ye who speak before the keen Forgetful, address not the mean
Kural 720To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters