Thirukkural 95 in English

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

Tamil original

பணிவுடையன் இன்சொலன் ஆதல் ஒருவற்கு
அணியல்ல மற்றுப் பிற.

Transliteration

Panivutaiyan Insolan Aadhal Oruvarku
Aniyalla Matrup Pira

English Translation

“To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek”

Plain-English meaning

Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek

G.U. Pope Translation

Humility with pleasant speech to man on earth,Is choice adornment; all besides is nothing worth

Plain-English Meaning

Humility and sweetness of speech are the ornaments of man; all others are not (ornaments)

தகுதிக்குக் குறைவானவரிடமும் பணிவுடன் இனிய சொற்களைச் சொல்பவனாக ஆவது ஒருவனுக்கு ஆபரணம் ஆகும்; பிற அணிகள் அணி ஆகா

Chapter 10

இனியவை கூறல்

The words of Seers are lovely sweet Merciful and free from deceit

Sweet words from smiling lips dispense More joys than heart's beneficence

Calm face, sweet look, kind words from heart Such is the gracious virtue's part

Whose loving words delight each one The woe of want from them is gone

To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek

His sins vanish, his virtues grow Whose fruitful words with sweetness flow

The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds

Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next

Who sees the sweets of sweetness here To use harsh words how can he dare?

Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits