Thirukkural 838 in English

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

Tamil original

மையல் ஒருவன் களித்தற்றால் பேதைதன்
கையொன்று உடைமை பெறின்.

Transliteration

Maiyal Oruvan Kaliththatraal Pedhaidhan
Kaiyondru Utaimai Perin

English Translation

“Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand”

Plain-English meaning

A fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand

G.U. Pope Translation

When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill beAs when a mad man raves in drunken glee

Plain-English Meaning

A fool happening to possess something is like the intoxication of one who is (already) giddy

அறிவற்றவன் தன்னிடம் ஒன்றைச் சொந்தமாகப் பெறுவது, முன்பே பிடித்துப் பிடித்தவன், கள்ளால் மயங்கியும் நிற்பது போல் ஆகும்.

Chapter 84

பேதைமை

This is folly's prominent vein To favour loss and forego gain

Folly of follies is to lead A lewd and lawless life so bad

Shameless, aimless, callous, listless Such are the marks of foolishness

No fool equals the fool who learns Knows, teaches, but self-control spurns

The fool suffers seven fold hells In single birth of hellish ills

A know-nothing fool daring a deed Not only fails but feels fettered

Strangers feast and kinsmen fast When fools mishandle fortunes vast

Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand

Friendship with fools is highly sweet For without a groan we part

Entrance of fools where Savants meet Looks like couch trod by unclean feet