Thirukkural 794 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
குடிப்பிறந்து தன்கண் பழிநாணு வானைக்
கொடுத்தும் கொளல்வேண்டும் நட்பு.
Transliteration
Kutippirandhu Thankan Pazhinaanu Vaanaik
Kotuththum Kolalventum Natpu
Modern English
“A person with good values who feels ashamed of doing wrong is worth making a real effort to befriend.”
Modern Interpretation
A person with good values who feels ashamed of doing wrong is worth making a real effort to befriend. A sense of responsibility is a sign of trustworthy character. For example, a colleague who admits a mistake and works to fix it may be worth keeping close, even if earning their trust takes time.
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Modern Plain English
A person with good values who feels ashamed of doing wrong is worth making a real effort to befriend.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Take as good friend at any price The nobly born who shun disgrace
G.U. Pope Translation
Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame,Pay any price so you as friend that man may claim
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குடியில் பிறந்து தன்மீது சொல்லப்படும் பழிக்கு அஞ்சு பவனின் நட்பை விலை கொடுத்தாவது கொள்ள வேண்டும்.
Chapter 80
More from Investigation in forming Friendships
நட்பாராய்தல்
Than testless friendship nought is worse For contacts formed will scarcely cease
Kural 792Friendship made without frequent test Shall end in grief and death at last
Kural 793Temper, descent, defects and kins Trace well and take companions
Kural 794Take as good friend at any price The nobly born who shun disgrace
Kural 795Who make you weep and chide wrong trends And lead you right are worthy friends
Kural 796Is there a test like misfortune A rod to measure out kinsmen?
Kural 797Keep off contacts with fools; that is The greatest gain so say the wise
Kural 798Off with thoughts that depress the heart Off with friends that in woe depart
Kural 799Friends who betray at ruin's brink Burn our mind ev'n at death to think
Kural 800The blameless ones as friends embarace; Give something and give up the base