తన గుణము మంచిదయితే, సానివాడలో గూడ కాపురం చేయవచ్చును.

tana gunamu manchidayite, sanivadalo guda kapuram cheyavachchunu.

Translation

If one's own character is good, one can live even in a neighborhood of ill-repute.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that personal integrity and character are internal traits that do not depend on one's surroundings. If a person is truly virtuous, they will remain untainted and honorable regardless of the environment or the company they are forced to keep. It is used to suggest that strong moral fiber protects an individual from external negative influences.

Related Phrases

If your words are good, the world will be good to you.

This expression emphasizes that if you speak politely and treat others with respect, the people around you will respond with kindness and support. It is used to teach that one's social environment is often a reflection of their own behavior and speech.

If your heart is pure, even something bitter becomes good.

This proverb suggests that one's perception and outcome depend on their mindset or intentions. If your thoughts and attitude (chittam) are good, even unpleasant situations or bitter things (chedu) will result in a positive experience or be perceived as beneficial. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having a positive outlook and pure intentions.

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

If your mouth is good, the whole village will be good to you.

This proverb emphasizes that how you speak determines how others treat you. If you speak politely and kindly (good mouth), people around you (the village) will respond with the same kindness and respect. It is used to teach the importance of soft skills and polite communication in social life.

Even if the kudumu (steamed dumpling) is good, the stomach is not good.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something offered or available is excellent, but the recipient is unable to enjoy or utilize it due to their own limitations, health issues, or lack of capacity. It highlights that the quality of an external object doesn't matter if the internal condition is unfavorable.

Build a small house, but lead a large family life.

This proverb advises financial prudence and modesty. It suggests that one should build a small, affordable house within their means, but focus on building a large, happy, and prosperous family or household within it. It emphasizes prioritizing people and relationships over grand material possessions.

If the seed is good, the fruit will also be good

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of the origin or foundation determines the quality of the outcome. It is used to describe how good upbringing leads to good character, or how proper planning and high-quality inputs lead to successful results.

If the ox were good, would it go to another village?

This proverb is used to suggest that if someone were truly capable, useful, or content, they wouldn't be abandoned or forced to leave their place. It is often applied to people who have been rejected or moved elsewhere due to their own flaws or poor behavior.

One should either stay where they are born or live in their parents' home.

This expression emphasizes the importance of stability and having a secure home base. It is often used to suggest that if one cannot succeed or find peace elsewhere, it is best to return to one's roots or parental home where there is unconditional support and safety.

If the seed is good, it will be good for the farmer.

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of the foundation or source determines the quality of the outcome. In life, it suggests that if one's intentions or initial efforts are righteous and strong, the final results will be beneficial and rewarding.