Thirukkural 800 in English

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

Tamil original

மருவுக மாசற்றார் கேண்மைஒன் றீத்தும்
ஒருவுக ஒப்பிலார் நட்பு.

Transliteration

Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum
Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Cling to the friendship of the spotless one's; whate'er you payRenounce alliance with the men of evil way

Plain-English Meaning

Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world)

குற்றம் அற்றவரோடு நட்புக் கொள்க; உலகோடு ஒத்து வராதவரின் நட்பை விலை கொடுத்தாவது விட்டு விடுக.

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