Kural 781Chapter 79: Friendship

Thirukkural 781 in English

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

Tamil original

செயற்கரிய யாவுள நட்பின் அதுபோல்
வினைக்கரிய யாவுள காப்பு.

Transliteration

Seyarkariya Yaavula Natpin Adhupol
Vinaikkariya Yaavula Kaappu

Modern English

“True friendship is difficult to gain, and once gained it becomes a strong protection that is hard to break.”

Modern Interpretation

True friendship is difficult to gain, and once gained it becomes a strong protection that is hard to break. A loyal friend is both a rare treasure and a source of safety. For example, a dependable friend can stand beside you when rumors or pressure try to isolate you.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

True friendship is difficult to gain, and once gained it becomes a strong protection that is hard to break.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Like friendship what's so hard to gain? That guards one against acts villain?

G.U. Pope Translation

What so hard for men to gain as friendship trueWhat so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

What so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do?

Tamil commentary

சம்பாதிப்பதற்கு நட்பைப் போல அரிய பொருள் வேறு எவை உண்டு? அதைச் சம்பாதித்து விட்டால் பிறர் புக முடியாதபடி நம்மைக் காப்பதற்கு அரிய பொருள் வேறு எவை உண்டு?

Chapter 79

More from Friendship

நட்பு

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Kural 781

Like friendship what's so hard to gain? That guards one against acts villain?

Kural 782

Good friendship shines like waxing moon, The bad withers like waning moon

Kural 783

Like taste in books good friendship grows The more one moves the more he knows

Kural 784

Not to laugh is friendship made But to hit when faults exceed

Kural 785

No close living nor clasping grip Friendship's feeling heart's fellowship

Kural 786

Friendship is not more smile on face It is the smiling heart's embrace

Kural 787

From ruin friendship saves and shares The load of pain and right path shows

Kural 788

Friendship hastens help in mishaps Like hands picking up dress that slips

Kural 789

Friendship is enthroned on the strength That always helps with utmost warmth

Kural 790

\"Such we are and such they are!\" Ev'n this boast will friendship mar