Thirukkural 99 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

இன்சொல் இனிதீன்றல் காண்பான் எவன்கொலோ
வன்சொல் வழங்கு வது?

Transliteration

Insol Inidheendral Kaanpaan Evankolo
Vansol Vazhangu Vadhu?

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Why does he use harsh words, who sees the pleasure which sweet speech yields ?

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Who sees the pleasure kindly speech affords,Why makes he use of harsh, repellant words

Plain-English Meaning

Why does he use harsh words, who sees the pleasure which sweet speech yields ?

பிறர் சொல்லும் இனிய சொற்கள், இன்பம் தருவதை உணர்ந்தவன், பிறர்க்கும் தனக்கும் துன்பம் தரும் கடும் சொற்களைப் பேசுவது என்ன பயன் கருதியோ?

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