Thirukkural 796 in English

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

Tamil original

கேட்டினும் உண்டோர் உறுதி கிளைஞரை
நீட்டி அளப்பதோர் கோல்.

Transliteration

Kettinum Untor Urudhi Kilaignarai
Neetti Alappadhor Kol

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Ruin itself one blessing lends:'Tis staff that measures out one's friends

Plain-English Meaning

Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations

எவன் நமக்கு உற்ற நண்பன் என்பதை நீட்டி அளந்து கொள்ளும் அறிவு நம் துன்பத்தில் உண்டு.

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