Thirukkural 957 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
குடிப்பிறந்தார் கண்விளங்கும் குற்றம் விசும்பின்
மதக்கண் மறுப்போல் உயர்ந்து.
Transliteration
Kutippirandhaar Kanvilangum Kutram Visumpin
Madhikkan Maruppol Uyarndhu
Modern English
“A fault in a respected person is noticed as clearly as a mark on the moon.”
Modern Interpretation
A fault in a respected person is noticed as clearly as a mark on the moon. For example, a small dishonest act by a trusted leader may attract more attention than the same act by a stranger.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A fault in a respected person is noticed as clearly as a mark on the moon.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The faults of nobly-born are seen Like on the sky the spots of moon
G.U. Pope Translation
The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்தவரிடம் ஏதேனும் குறை இருந்தால் அது நிலாவில் தெரியும் களங்கம் போல் பெரிதாகத் தெரியும்.
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