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

English Translation

“The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds”

Plain-English meaning

That speech which, while imparting benefits ceases not to please, will yield righteousness (for this world) and merit (for the next world)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

That speech which, while imparting benefits ceases not to please, will yield righteousness (for this world) and merit (for the next world)

பிறர்க்கு நன்மையைத் தந்து, இனிய பண்பிலிருந்து விலகாத சொல், இம்மைக்கு உலகத்தாரோடு ஒற்றுமையையும், மறுமைக்கு அறத்தையும் கொடுக்கும்.

Chapter 10

இனியவை கூறல்

The words of Seers are lovely sweet Merciful and free from deceit

Sweet words from smiling lips dispense More joys than heart's beneficence

Calm face, sweet look, kind words from heart Such is the gracious virtue's part

Whose loving words delight each one The woe of want from them is gone

To be humble and sweet words speak No other jewel do wise men seek

His sins vanish, his virtues grow Whose fruitful words with sweetness flow

The fruitful courteous kindly words Lead to goodness and graceful deeds

Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next

Who sees the sweets of sweetness here To use harsh words how can he dare?

Leaving ripe fruits the raw he eats Who speaks harsh words when sweet word suits