Thirukkural 793 in English

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

Tamil original

குணமும் குடிமையும் குற்றமும் குன்றா
இனனும் அறிந்தியாக்க நட்பு.

Transliteration

Kunamum Kutimaiyum Kutramum Kundraa
Inanum Arindhiyaakka Natpu

English Translation

“Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions”

Plain-English meaning

Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions

G.U. Pope Translation

Temper, descent, defects, associations freeFrom blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee

Plain-English Meaning

Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations

ஒருவனது குணம், குடும்பப் பிறப்பு, குற்றம், குறையாத சுற்றம் ஆகியவற்றை அறிந்து நட்புக் கொள்க.

Chapter 80

நட்பாராய்தல்

Than testless friendship nought is worse For contacts formed will scarcely cease

Friendship made without frequent test Shall end in grief and death at last

Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions

Take as good friend at any price The nobly born who shun disgrace

Who make you weep and chide wrong trends And lead you right are worthy friends

Is there a test like misfortune A rod to measure out kinsmen?

Keep off contacts with fools; that is The greatest gain so say the wise

Off with thoughts that depress the heart Off with friends that in woe depart

Friends who betray at ruin's brink Burn our mind ev'n at death to think

The blameless ones as friends embarace; Give something and give up the base