Thirukkural 720 in English

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

Tamil original

அங்கணத்துள் உக்க அமிழ்தற்றால் தங்கணத்தார்
அல்லார்முன் கோட்டி கொளல்.

Transliteration

Anganaththul Ukka Amizhdhatraal Thanganaththaar
Allaarmun Kotti Kolal

English Translation

“To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters”

Plain-English meaning

To utter (a good word) in the assembly of those who are of inferior rank is like dropping nectar on the ground

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters

G.U. Pope Translation

Ambrosia in the sewer spilt, is wordSpoken in presence of the alien herd

Plain-English Meaning

To utter (a good word) in the assembly of those who are of inferior rank is like dropping nectar on the ground

தமக்குச் சமம் அற்றவர் கூடியுள்ள அவையில் எதையும் பேச வேண்டா; பேசினால் அப்பேச்சு சாக்கடையுள் கொட்டிய அமிழ்தம் போல ஆகும்.

Chapter 72

அவை அறிதல்

The pure in thought and eloquence Adapt their words to audience

Who know the art of speech shall suit Their chosen words to time in fact

They speak in vain at length who talk Words unversed which ears don't take

Before the bright be brilliant light Before the muff be mortar white

Modest restraint all good excels Which argues not before elders

Tongue-slip before the talented wise is like slipping from righteous ways

The learning of the learned shines Valued by flawless scholar-minds

To address understanding ones Is to water beds of growing grains

O ye who speak before the keen Forgetful, address not the mean

To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters