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Kural #97

Virtue· அறம்Speaking Pleasant Words· இனியவை கூறல்

Last reviewed:

Tamil text

நயன்ஈன்று நன்றி பயக்கும்

பயன்ஈன்று பண்பின் தலைப்பிரியாச் சொல்

Nayaṉīṉṟu naṉṟi payakkum

Payaṉīṉṟu paṇpiṉ talaippiriyāc col

English translation

Words that are useful, never depart from good character, and create affection will yield gratitude and goodness.

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Explanation

Thiruvalluvar describes the qualities of ideal speech: it should be useful (பயன்), consistent with good character (பண்பு), and create affection (நயன்). Such speech produces lasting gratitude (நன்றி) in others. This is the formula for building meaningful relationships.

விளக்கம்

இக்குறள் இனியவை கூறல் அதிகாரத்தில் உள்ளது. நல்ல சொற்கள் அன்பை உண்டாக்கி, பிறருக்குப் பயன் தந்து, பண்பிலிருந்து விலகாமல் இருக்கும். அப்படிப்பட்ட சொற்கள் நன்றியையும் நன்மையையும் கொடுக்கும். இனிய சொற்கள் உறவுகளை வளர்க்கும்.

Word meanings

  • நயன்nayaṉaffection/love
  • ஈன்றுīṉṟuproducing/giving birth to
  • நன்றிnaṉṟigratitude/goodness
  • பயக்கும்payakkumwill yield
  • பயன்payaṉusefulness/benefit
  • பண்பின்paṇpiṉfrom good character
  • தலைப்பிரியாtalaippiriyānever departing
  • சொல்colwords

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two potters, Arun and Bala. Arun was known for his beautiful, sturdy pots, but his words were often sharp, and his customers felt a chill after each transaction. Bala, on the other hand, crafted pots of simpler design, yet his words were always kind. One day, a wealthy merchant came seeking a water vessel. He first approached Arun, who, though offering a strong pot, spoke with such brusqueness that the merchant felt insulted and left without buying. He then went to Bala. Bala, with a warm smile, showed the merchant a pot, explaining its merits with gentle enthusiasm. The merchant, charmed by Bala's words, purchased not only the water vessel but also several other pots for his household. Soon, everyone preferred Bala's shop. Arun, puzzled by his lack of customers, watched as Bala's business thrived, his simple words and gentle nature bringing him both wealth and the goodwill of the entire village.