Thirukkural 815 in English

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

Tamil original

செய்தேமஞ் சாராச் சிறியவர் புன்கேண்மை
எய்தலின் எய்தாமை நன்று.

Transliteration

Seydhemanj Chaaraach Chiriyavar Punkenmai
Eydhalin Eydhaamai Nandru

English Translation

“Friends low and mean that give no help- Leave them is better than to keep”

Plain-English meaning

It is far better to avoid that to contract the evil friendship of the base who cannot protect (their friends) even when appointed to do so

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Friends low and mean that give no help- Leave them is better than to keep

G.U. Pope Translation

'Tis better not to gain than gain the friendship profitlessOf men of little minds, who succour fails when dangers press

Plain-English Meaning

It is far better to avoid that to contract the evil friendship of the base who cannot protect (their friends) even when appointed to do so

நாம் பல வகையில் உதவி செய்தாலும் நமக்குப் பாதுகாப்பாக இராத அற்பர்களின் நட்பு, இருப்பதிலும் இல்லாதிருப்பதே நல்லது.

Chapter 82

தீ நட்பு

Swallowing love of soulless men Had better wane than wax anon

Who fawn in wealth and fail in dearth Gain or lose; such friends have no worth

Cunning friends who calculate Are like thieves and whores wicked

Better be alone than trust in those That throw in field like faithless horse

Friends low and mean that give no help- Leave them is better than to keep

Million times the wise man's hate Is better than a fool intimate

Ten-fold crore you gain from foes Than from friends who are vain laughers

Without a word those friends eschew Who spoil deeds which they can do

Even in dreams the tie is bad With those whose deed is far from word

Keep aloof from those that smile At home and in public revile