Thirukkural 725 in English

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

Tamil original

ஆற்றின் அளவறிந்து கற்க அவையஞ்சா
மாற்றங் கொடுத்தற் பொருட்டு.

Transliteration

Aatrin Alavarindhu Karka Avaiyanjaa
Maatrang Kotuththar Poruttu

English Translation

“Grammar and logic learn so that Foes you can boldly retort”

Plain-English meaning

In order to reply fearlessly before a foreign court, (ministers) should learn logic according to the rules (of grammar)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Grammar and logic learn so that Foes you can boldly retort

G.U. Pope Translation

By rule, to dialectic art your mind apply,That in the council fearless you may make an apt reply

Plain-English Meaning

In order to reply fearlessly before a foreign court, (ministers) should learn logic according to the rules (of grammar)

பெரியோர் அவையில் பயப்படாமல் பதில் சொல்வதற்கு, சொல்இலக்கண வழியில் பலவகைப் பிரமாணங்களைச் சொல்லும் தர்க்க சாஸ்திரத்தை விரும்பிக் கற்றுக் கொள்க.

Chapter 73

அவை அஞ்சாமை

The pure fail not in power of words Knowing grand council's moods and modes

Among scholars he is scholar Who holds scholars with learned lore

Many brave foes and die in fields The fearless few face wise councils

Impress the learned with your lore From greater savants learn still more

Grammar and logic learn so that Foes you can boldly retort

To cowards what can sword avail And books to those who councils fail?

Like eunuch's sword in field, is vain His lore who fears men of brain

Though learned much his lore is dead Who says no good before the good

Who fear to face good assembly Are learned idiots, certainly

They are breathing dead who dare not Empress before the wise their art