நட்பு
Friendship
Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.
Kurals
781–790
Reading
10 couplets
Section
பொருட்பால்
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Tamil + modern meaning
Kural 781
1 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
செயற்கரிய யாவுள நட்பின் அதுபோல்
வினைக்கரிய யாவுள காப்பு.
Modern interpretation
True friendship is difficult to gain, and once gained it becomes a strong protection that is hard to break. A loyal friend is both a rare treasure and a source of safety. For example, a dependable friend can stand beside you when rumors or pressure try to isolate you.
Read Kural 781 in full
Kural 782
2 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நிறைநீர நீரவர் கேண்மை பிறைமதிப்
பின்னீர பேதையார் நட்பு.
Modern interpretation
The friendship of wise people grows like the waxing moon, while the friendship of foolish people fades like the waning moon. Good judgment gives a relationship room to deepen. For example, a friend who listens and learns with you may become closer over the years, while a careless friendship may disappear after its first excitement.
Read Kural 782 in full
Kural 783
3 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நவில்தொறும் நூல்நயம் போலும் பயில்தொறும்
பண்புடை யாளர் தொடர்பு.
Modern interpretation
Friendship with a person of good character becomes more enjoyable the more you share it, just as a good book reveals more each time you read it. Time brings out its value. For example, studying, working, or volunteering together can show new strengths in a friend year after year.
Read Kural 783 in full
Kural 784
4 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நகுதற் பொருட்டன்று நட்டல் மிகுதிக்கண்
மேற்செனறு இடித்தற் பொருட்டு.
Modern interpretation
Friendship is not only for laughing together; a true friend also steps forward to correct you when you go too far. Honest advice protects the relationship from becoming harmful. For example, a friend may tell you to stop cheating or insulting someone even when hearing it is uncomfortable.
Read Kural 784 in full
Kural 785
5 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
புணர்ச்சி பழகுதல் வேண்டா உணர்ச்சிதான்
நட்பாங் கிழமை தரும்.
Modern interpretation
People do not need to live together or meet constantly to become true friends. Mutual understanding can create closeness on its own. For example, two students who support each other online and share the same values may form a real friendship despite living far apart.
Read Kural 785 in full
Kural 786
6 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
முகநக நட்பது நட்பன்று நெஞ்சத்து
அகநக நட்பது நட்பு.
Modern interpretation
A friendly smile alone is not proof of friendship. True friendship comes from genuine care in the heart, not just pleasant behavior in public. For example, someone who checks on you privately when you are struggling is a truer friend than someone who only acts warm in front of others.
Read Kural 786 in full
Kural 787
7 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
அழிவி னவைநீக்கி ஆறுய்த்து அழிவின்கண்
அல்லல் உழப்பதாம் நட்பு.
Modern interpretation
A true friend turns you away from harmful choices, guides you toward a better path, and shares your pain when trouble arrives. Friendship includes both correction and support. For example, a friend might stop you from making a reckless decision and then stay with you while you repair the damage.
Read Kural 787 in full
Kural 788
8 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
உடுக்கை இழந்தவன் கைபோல ஆங்கே
இடுக்கண் களைவதாம் நட்பு.
Modern interpretation
A true friend removes trouble immediately, like a hand that instinctively fixes a loosened garment before others notice. Help should come quickly when a friend is in need. For example, a friend may call for help and take charge at once when you suddenly fall ill in public.
Read Kural 788 in full
Kural 789
9 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
நட்பிற்கு வீற்றிருக்கை யாதெனின் கொட்பின்றி
ஒல்லும்வாய் ஊன்றும் நிலை.
Modern interpretation
Friendship is at its best when people support each other steadily, without needless division, whenever they are able. Reliability gives friendship its strength. For example, close friends keep showing up for one another during exams, unemployment, illness, or other difficult seasons.
Read Kural 789 in full
Kural 790
10 of 10Tamil original · தமிழ்
இனையர் இவரெமக்கு இன்னம்யாம் என்று
புனையினும் புல்லென்னும் நட்பு.
Modern interpretation
Friendship becomes shallow when people keep decorating it with claims about how close they are. Real closeness does not need repeated public praise. For example, friends who constantly post about their bond may be less dependable than the quiet friend who simply helps when needed.
Read Kural 790 in full