Thirukkural 799 in English

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

Tamil original

கெடுங்காலைக் கைவிடுவார் கேண்மை அடுங்காலை
உள்ளினும் உள்ளஞ் சுடும்.

Transliteration

Ketungaalaik Kaivituvaar Kenmai Atungaalai
Ullinum Ullanj Chutum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Of friends deserting us on ruin's brink,'Tis torture e'en in life's last hour to think

Plain-English Meaning

The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death

கெடும்போது நம்மைக் கைவிட்டவரின் நட்பை நாம் சாகின்ற போது நினைத்தாலும் நம் நெஞ்சம் சுடும்.

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