Thirukkural 97 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நயன்ஈன்று நன்றி பயக்கும் பயன்ஈன்று
பண்பின் தலைப்பிரியாச் சொல்.
Transliteration
Nayan Eendru Nandri Payakkum
Payaneendru Panpin Thalaippiriyaach Chol
Modern English
“The best speech is both useful and pleasant.”
Modern Interpretation
The best speech is both useful and pleasant. It helps people without embarrassing, manipulating, or hurting them. For example, a colleague who gives clear feedback respectfully can improve a project while preserving a good working relationship.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The best speech is both useful and pleasant.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds
G.U. Pope Translation
The words of sterling sense, to rule of right that strict adhere,To virtuous action prompting, blessings yield in every sphere
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
That speech which, while imparting benefits ceases not to please, will yield righteousness (for this world) and merit (for the next world)
Tamil commentary
பிறர்க்கு நன்மையைத் தந்து, இனிய பண்பிலிருந்து விலகாத சொல், இம்மைக்கு உலகத்தாரோடு ஒற்றுமையையும், மறுமைக்கு அறத்தையும் கொடுக்கும்.
Chapter 10
More from The Utterance of Pleasant Words
இனியவை கூறல்
The words of Seers are lovely sweet Merciful and free from deceit
Kural 92Sweet words from smiling lips dispense More joys than heart's beneficence
Kural 93Calm face, sweet look, kind words from heart Such is the gracious virtue's part
Kural 94Whose loving words delight each one The woe of want from them is gone
Kural 95To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek
Kural 96His sins vanish, his virtues grow Whose fruitful words with sweetness flow
Kural 97The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds
Kural 98Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next
Kural 99Who sees the sweets of sweetness here To use harsh words how can he dare?
Kural 100Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits