Thirukkural 952 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒழுக்கமும் வாய்மையும் நாணும்இம் மூன்றும்
இழுக்கார் குடிப்பிறந் தார்.
Transliteration
Ozhukkamum Vaaimaiyum Naanum Im
Moondrum Izhukkaar Kutippiran Thaar
Modern English
“Good character stays rooted in decent conduct, truthfulness, and modesty, whatever a person's status.”
Modern Interpretation
Good character stays rooted in decent conduct, truthfulness, and modesty, whatever a person's status. For example, a team member who tells the truth and accepts correction earns trust more than someone who only claims a respected background.
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Modern Plain English
Good character stays rooted in decent conduct, truthfulness, and modesty, whatever a person's status.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The noble-born lack not these three: Good conduct, truth and modesty
G.U. Pope Translation
In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவர் ஒழுக்கம், உண்மை, நாணம் என்னும் இம்மூன்றிலிருந்தும் விலகமாட்டார்.
Chapter 96
More from Nobility
குடிமை
Right-sense and bashfulness adorn By nature only the noble-born
Kural 952The noble-born lack not these three: Good conduct, truth and modesty
Kural 953Smile, gift, sweet words and courtesy These four mark true nobility
Kural 954Even for crores, the noble mood Cannot bend to degrading deed
Kural 955The means of gift may dwindle; yet Ancient homes guard their noble trait
Kural 956Who guard their family prestige pure Stoop not to acts of cunning lure
Kural 957The faults of nobly-born are seen Like on the sky the spots of moon
Kural 958If manners of the good are rude People deem their pedigree crude
Kural 959Soil's nature is seen in sprout The worth of birth from words flow out
Kural 960All gain good name by modesty Nobility by humility