सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात् — Word-by-Word Meaning
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयात्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सत्यम्
satyam
the truth
ब्रूयात्
brūyāt
one should speak
प्रियम्
priyam
what is pleasant, agreeable, kind
न ब्रूयात्
na brūyāt
one should not speak
सत्यम् अप्रियम्
satyam apriyam
truth that is unpleasant or hurtful
प्रियम् च
priyam ca
and (even) what is pleasant
न अनृतम्
na anṛtam
not a falsehood, not an untruth
ब्रूयात्
brūyāt
one should speak
एषः
eṣaḥ
this (is)
धर्मः
dharmaḥ
the law, the righteous code of conduct
सनातनः
sanātanaḥ
eternal, everlasting
Complete Translation
सत्य बोलो, प्रिय बोलो; अप्रिय सत्य मत बोलो, और प्रिय असत्य भी मत बोलो — यही सनातन धर्म है। यह श्लोक सिखाता है कि वाणी सत्य और प्रिय दोनों होनी चाहिए, सत्य होने पर भी कठोर न हो, और मधुर होने पर भी असत्य न हो।
Origin & History
Source: Manusmriti (Subhashita)
Author: Attributed to Manu (Manava Dharmashastra)
Period: Ancient Sanskrit Dharmashastra literature
The Manusmriti, one of the principal texts of Hindu law and ethics, sets out codes of conduct for individuals and society. Among its many teachings on right living, this verse on speech became one of the most quoted, distilling the entire discipline of truthful and compassionate communication into a single line called the eternal dharma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the verse Satyam Bruyat Priyam Bruyat found?▼
It is a well-known shloka from the Manusmriti (the classical Dharmashastra), and is widely quoted across Subhashita and niti literature as the ideal rule of speech.
What is the core teaching of this shloka?▼
Speech should be both true and pleasant. One must not speak an unpleasant truth that needlessly wounds, nor a pleasant lie that deceives. Balancing truth with kindness is described as the eternal dharma.
Does it mean we should hide the truth to please others?▼
No. It does not ask us to abandon truth, but to convey it with tact and compassion. Falsehood is never sanctioned; the verse simply urges that truth be spoken in a kind and considerate manner.
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