Thirukkural API LogoThirukkural APIAncient wisdom. Modern access.
Chapter 10 of 133Virtue

இனியவை கூறல்

The Utterance of Pleasant Words

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

91100

Reading

10 couplets

Section

அறத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

Read the chapter

Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 91

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இன்சொலால் ஈரம் அளைஇப் படிறுஇலவாம்

செம்பொருள் கண்டார்வாய்ச் சொல்.

Modern interpretation

Pleasant speech is more than using polite words. It should come from genuine care, honesty, and the absence of hidden manipulation. For example, a friend who gives kind but truthful advice is speaking sweetly, while someone who flatters only to get a favour is not.

Read Kural 91 in full

Kural 92

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அகன்அமர்ந்து ஈதலின் நன்றே முகனமர்ந்து

இன்சொலன் ஆகப் பெறின்.

Modern interpretation

A warm word and a welcoming expression can be more valuable than a material gift. People need to feel respected, not merely compensated. For example, thanking a struggling colleague sincerely may encourage them more than handing them a reward without acknowledging their effort.

Read Kural 92 in full

Kural 93

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

முகத்தான் அமர்ந் துஇனிது நோக்கி அகத்தானாம்

இன்சொ லினதே அறம்.

Modern interpretation

True kindness appears in both our words and the way we look at people. A cheerful, sincere manner shows that our concern is genuine rather than forced. For example, welcoming a nervous new student with a smile and encouraging words can help them feel that they belong.

Read Kural 93 in full

Kural 94

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

துன்புறூஉம் துவ்வாமை இல்லாகும் யார்மாட்டும்

இன்புறூஉம் இன்சொ லவர்க்கு.

Modern interpretation

People who speak kindly to everyone build relationships that protect them from the loneliness of social poverty. Gentle speech does not guarantee financial wealth, but it earns cooperation, trust, and friendship. For example, a respectful manager is more likely to receive help from the team when a difficult project arrives.

Read Kural 94 in full

Kural 95

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பணிவுடையன் இன்சொலன் ஆதல் ஒருவற்கு

அணியல்ல மற்றுப் பிற.

Modern interpretation

Humility and kind speech are better signs of a person's worth than expensive clothes, jewellery, or status. They make a person pleasant to trust and work with. For example, an expert who listens patiently and explains things without showing off is more admirable than someone who uses knowledge to make others feel small.

Read Kural 95 in full

Kural 96

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

அல்லவை தேய அறம்பெருகும் நல்லவை

நாடி இனிய சொலின்

Modern interpretation

When we speak about what is good in a kind and useful way, harmful behaviour can decrease and good conduct can grow. Advice is more likely to change people when it preserves their dignity. For example, a coach who explains a player's mistake calmly may help them improve, while public humiliation may only create resentment.

Read Kural 96 in full

Kural 97

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

நயன் ஈன்று நன்றி பயக்கும் பயன்ஈன்று

பண்பின் தலைப்பிரியாச் சொல்.

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.

Read Kural 97 in full

Kural 98

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சிறுமையுவு நீங்கிய இன்சொல் மறுமையும்

இம்மையும் இன்பம் தரும்.

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.

Read Kural 98 in full

Kural 99

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இன்சொல் இனிதீன்றல் காண்பான் எவன்கொலோ

வன்சொல் வழங்கு வது?

Modern interpretation

If we know how comforting kind words can be, there is no good reason to choose cruel ones. Harsh speech usually adds pain without solving the problem. For example, a parent who notices a child struggling can ask what happened instead of calling the child lazy; the gentler approach is more likely to lead to improvement.

Read Kural 99 in full

Kural 100

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்

கனிஇருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

Modern interpretation

Using hurtful words when kind and truthful words are available is like choosing sour, unripe fruit while ripe fruit is ready to eat. We often have a choice in how we express the same message. For example, saying 'Please lower the volume' is wiser than insulting someone for making noise.

Read Kural 100 in full