Thirukkural 955 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வழங்குவ துள்வீழ்ந்தக் கண்ணும் பழங்குடி
பண்பில் தலைப்பிரிதல் இன்று.
Transliteration
Vazhanguva Thulveezhndhak Kannum Pazhanguti
Panpil Thalaippiridhal Indru
Modern English
“Hard times may reduce what a generous person can give, but they need not destroy the wish to help.”
Modern Interpretation
Hard times may reduce what a generous person can give, but they need not destroy the wish to help. For example, someone with little money may still share a meal or offer practical help to a neighbor.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Hard times may reduce what a generous person can give, but they need not destroy the wish to help.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The means of gift may dwindle; yet Ancient homes guard their noble trait
G.U. Pope Translation
Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient raceWill never lose its old ancestral grace
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Though their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality)
Tamil commentary
தொடர்ந்து வரும் நல்ல குடியில் பிறந்தவர் தம் பொருள் கொடுத்துக் குறைந்துவிட்டபோதும், கொடுக்கும் பண்பிலிருந்து 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