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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing

நல்ல குடியில் பிறந்து தன்மீது சொல்லப்படும் பழிக்கு அஞ்சு பவனின் நட்பை விலை கொடுத்தாவது கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

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