Thirukkural 98 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சிறுமையுவு நீங்கிய இன்சொல் மறுமையும்
இம்மையும் இன்பம் தரும்.
Transliteration
Sirumaiyul Neengiya Insol Marumaiyum
Immaiyum Inpam Tharum
Modern English
“Kind words that do not humiliate or harm others bring peace to the speaker and the listener.”
Modern Interpretation
Kind words that do not humiliate or harm others bring peace to the speaker and the listener. Their effect can last long after the conversation ends. For example, encouraging someone after a failure may give them confidence to try again and leave both people feeling better.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Kind words that do not humiliate or harm others bring peace to the speaker and the listener.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Kind words free from meanness delight This life on earth and life the next
G.U. Pope Translation
Sweet kindly words, from meanness free, delight of heart,In world to come and in this world impart
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Sweet speech, free from harm to others, will give pleasure both in this world and in the next
Tamil commentary
பிறர்க்கு மனத்துன்பம் தராத இனிய சொல் ஒருவனுக்கு இம்மையிலும் மறுமையிலும் இன்பம் தரும்.
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