Thirukkural 960 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நலம்வேண்டின் நாணுடைமை வேண்டும் குலம்வேண்டின்
வேண்டுக யார்க்கும் பணிவு.
Transliteration
Nalamventin Naanutaimai Ventum Kulam
Ventin Ventuka Yaarkkum Panivu
Modern English
“Modesty helps a person earn a good name, and humility toward everyone preserves lasting honor.”
Modern Interpretation
Modesty helps a person earn a good name, and humility toward everyone preserves lasting honor. For example, a popular student who treats classmates and staff with equal respect becomes respected for the right reasons.
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Modern Plain English
Modesty helps a person earn a good name, and humility toward everyone preserves lasting honor.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
All gain good name by modesty Nobility by humility
G.U. Pope Translation
Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all
Tamil commentary
ஒருவன் தனக்கு நன்மை வேண்டும் என்று எண்ணினால் அவனிடம் நாணம் இருக்க வேண்டும். நற்குடும்பத்தவன் என்ற பெயர் வேண்டும் என்றால், எல்லாரிடமும் பணிவு இருக்க வேண்டும்.
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