Kural 911Chapter 92: Wanton Women

Thirukkural 911 in English

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

Tamil original

அன்பின் விழையார் பொருள்விழையும் ஆய்தொடியார்
இன்சொல் இழுக்குத் தரும்.

Transliteration

Anpin Vizhaiyaar Porulvizhaiyum Aaidhotiyaar
Insol Izhukkuth Tharum

Modern English

“Sweet words offered only for money eventually bring sorrow.”

Modern Interpretation

Sweet words offered only for money eventually bring sorrow. For example, someone who mistakes flattering messages for genuine affection and keeps paying may end up hurt and in debt.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

Sweet words offered only for money eventually bring sorrow.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

For gold, not love their tongue cajoles Men are ruined by bangled belles

G.U. Pope Translation

Those that choice armlets wear who seek not thee with love,But seek thy wealth, their pleasant words will ruin prove

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

The sweet words of elegant braceleted (prostitutes) who desire (a man) not from affection but from avarice, will cause sorrow

Tamil commentary

அன்பால் நம்மை விரும்பாது, பொருள் பெறவே விரும்பும் பாலியல் தொழிலாளரின் இனிய சொற்கள் துன்பமே தரும்.

Chapter 92

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Kural 911

For gold, not love their tongue cajoles Men are ruined by bangled belles

Kural 912

Avoid ill-natured whores who feign Love only for their selfish gain

Kural 913

The false embrace of whores is like That of a damned corpse in the dark

Kural 914

The wise who seek the wealth of grace Look not for harlots' low embrace

Kural 915

The lofty wise will never covet The open charms of a vile harlot

Kural 916

Those who guard their worthy fame Shun the wanton's vaunting charm

Kural 917

Hollow hearts alone desire The arms of whores with hearts elsewere

Kural 918

Senseless fools are lured away By arms of sirens who lead astray

Kural 919

The soft jewelled arms of whores are hell Into which the degraded fall

Kural 920

Double-minded whores, wine and dice Are lures of those whom fortune flies