Thirukkural 873 in English

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

Tamil original

ஏமுற் றவரினும் ஏழை தமியனாய்ப்
பல்லார் பகைகொள் பவன்.

Transliteration

Emur Ravarinum Ezhai Thamiyanaaip
Pallaar Pakaikol Pavan

English Translation

“Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays”

Plain-English meaning

He who being alone, incurs the hatred of many is more infatuated than even mad men

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays

G.U. Pope Translation

Than men of mind diseased, a wretch more utterly forlorn,Is he who stands alone, object of many foeman's scorn

Plain-English Meaning

He who being alone, incurs the hatred of many is more infatuated than even mad men

தன்னந் தனியனாக இருந்து கொண்டு, பலரையும் பகைவர்களாகப் பெறும் ஆட்சியாளன் பித்தரிலும் அறிவற்றவன்.

Chapter 88

பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல்

Let not one even as a sport The ill-natured enmity court

Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers

Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays

This world goes safely in his grace Whose heart makes friends even of foes

Alone, if two foes you oppose Make one of them your ally close

Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes

To those who know not, tell not your pain Nor your weakness to foes explain

Know how and act and defend well The pride of enemies shall fall

Cut off thorn-trees when young they are; Grown hard, they cut your hands beware

To breathe on earth they are not fit Defying foes who don't defeat