Writing in the World of Avatar

Writing and literature form an integral part in societies all across the World of Avatar. All four nations use a common system of characters borrowed from the Chinese system for daily purposes. The four nations primarily use writing for communication and literary purposes, but there are some who practice calligraphy as an art, such as Piandao.

Writing materials


Writing in the Avatar World is achieved through several means. This is primarily through the use of brush, ink and paper; however, there are also engravings. The actual written language is Chinese, with thousands of characters made up of different kinds of strokes, and is usually written top down or right to left, though this is not always the case.

Brush
The brush is the traditional writing implement in the World of Avatar. The body of the brush can be made from bamboo, wood, or other rarer materials. On the other hand, the head of the brush can be made from the hair of a wide variety of animals.

Paper
Paper is used for scrolls, books, letters, and memos. Paperweights are typically used to smooth out the paper for writing; these are, basically, just two plain rectangular blocks of wood.

Characters
Traditional Chinese characters are used for most writing in the Avatar World. There are tens of thousands of characters, but only a few thousand are required for day-to-day communication. There are several types of characters used in order to complete a sentence and thus be able to make text readable.


 * Pictograms - These characters are derived from stylized, simplified drawings of an object. This type of character is used to represent that object. Examples include for "sun" and  for "moon".
 * Ideograms - Although not a direct derivative of pictures like pictograms, ideograms are related to them in that they are a stylized abstract representation of an idea. Direct examples include "up" and  "down". Notice that the character for up literally points up and the other literally points down.
 * Ideogrammic compounds - These are created through combining elements of pictograms and ideograms to form another abstract representation of an idea or object. An example is that doubling the pictogram "tree" produces  "forest". There are literally more trees. The existence of this category as an independent category is disputed in the real world.
 * Phono-semantic compounds - The name is complex, but most characters fall under this category. It is impossible to be able to draw absolutely everything into a character, hence the existence and size of this category. These characters are usually made of two parts. One part is a small pictograph that gives a representation of the idea of the character, called the radical, and the other, larger part is another character that gives an idea to the pronunciation of the character. For example, one of the characters for river is . The three strokes to the left make up the radical representing anything to do with water or liquids, and the right part is the character.
 * There are a few more categories, but the above are enough to summarize the types of existing characters.

Calligraphy


Calligraphy is a form of art where one writes, or rather, draws or paints characters in a particularly artistic way to emphasize its beauty and shape. The paper, ink, brush, and inkstone are essential implements in calligraphy. A paperweight is also used to keep the paper straight and flat on the table, negating the need for one's hand to touch the clean paper. Only the highest quality types are used. Piandao taught Sokka its basics.

Chinese character translations

 * For an in-depth list of translations for proper names and words used in the series, see here.

All Chinese characters below are written in the form in which they appeared in the show. Therefore, most are in the traditional form, with few exceptions.

Opening sequence
- The world [all under heaven] is guided by one
 * At the top and bottom of the Avatar map are two separate rows of four Chinese characters in classical form. They form a couplet that can be translated as:
 * - Powers are divided into Four

- Earth is Strong - Fire is Fierce - Air is Harmonious
 * The four inscriptions on the corners are referred to each element (nation), and can be translated to:
 * - Water is Benevolent


 * Above the Avatar title slide, the characters can be translated to:
 * - the divine medium who has descended upon the world (i.e. the Avatar).

"The Warriors of Kyoshi"

 * The fan the statue of Kyoshi holds to her dress is inscribed with the character (kyō in Japanese), which means "capital". This character also appears on the sleeves of the Kyoshi Warriors' uniform. The fan in Kyoshi's outstretched hand carries the character, pronounced "shi", meaning "warrior". These two characters together make up Kyoshi's name.

"Winter Solstice, Part 1: The Spirit World"

 * The circles on the floor of Roku's Sanctuary contain the characters for various celestial events:, the Spring Equinox; , the summer solstice; , the Autumn Equinox; and , the winter solstice. These are all part of the traditional East Asian calendar.

"The Waterbending Scroll"

 * The left side of the scroll says, which can be translated as "Waterbending drill first form". The right side says , which translates as "water single whip". Since the term "waterbending" is not a real word in Chinese, the phrase that the creators of the series use literally translates as "cut off water divine ability".

"The Blue Spirit"



 * Aang's wanted poster reads as follows:
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.
 * Wanted — The Avatar. This fugitive knows airbending, can create whirlwinds, and flee like the wind. Hunters, be extremely cautious! By decree of the Fire Lord.

"The Fortuneteller"

 * The calligraphy on the screen in Aunt Wu's parlor is written in Cao Shu (grass script style), a freehand form which is notoriously difficult to read.
 * The sign against which Sokka kicks a rock has the character on it, which means "good fortune and happiness".

"Bato of the Water Tribe"

 * The map to the rendezvous point is covered with characters indicating locations and notes, but most are not legible. On the top left corner are the characters, which roughly translates as "The Blessing and Protection of the Sea and Moon". The smaller characters in the center of the bay are and , meaning "senior official" and "warrior". In the bottom left corner, a mountain is marked with , meaning "east mountain".

"The Deserter"



 * Fire Days Festival poster
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!
 * Celebrate the Fire Day Festival. Featuring traditional Fire Nation food, Fire Nation cultural exhibits, jugglers, magicians, firebending masters, puppet shows, and plenty of fire to make you feel like you are back home in the Fire Nation!




 * Jeong Jeong's wanted poster
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Jeong Jeong. Was a Fire Nation Admiral. He is sixty years old and white-haired. Appears weak; is actually a master in fire bending. Hunters be cautious.




 * Chey's wanted poster
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.
 * Wanted — Chey. Was a captain in the Fire Nation Army, is a coward, a deserter and a traitor. He is 30 years old and skilled with explosives. Mentally unstable. Hunters be cautious.




 * Blue Spirit wanted poster
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.
 * Wanted: The Blue Spirit. Stole the Avatar. He wears a blue Earth Kingdom opera mask. His true identity is unknown, but disregard the rumors that he is a ghost. If you discover his whereabouts, spare no effort in apprehending him.


 * The Fire Lord's Seal found on all the wanted posters reads, meaning "The Royal Seal of the King of the Fire Nation, Ozai".

"The Siege of the North, Part 2"

 * The scroll which Zhao finds in Wan Shi Tong's Library reads, in ancient Chinese calligraphy, and, meaning "Moon Spirit and Ocean Spirit" and "Northern Water Tribe".

"The Avatar State"



 * Iroh and Zuko's wanted poster reads as follows:
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.
 * The Fire Lord orders the arrest of Iroh and Zuko, the two rebellious traitors. General Iroh was once the Dragon of the West, Prince Zuko was Crown Prince to the Fire Lord. Both traitors violated imperial orders. They refused to exterminate the Water Tribe barbarians as well as capture the Avatar. Permission is granted to kill them on sight.


 * The writing on Zuko's knife reads, which means "Never give up without a fight."

"The Cave of Two Lovers"



 * The sign over the entrance to the cave reads, in ancient Chinese script,, meaning "Cave of the Lovers".
 * The sign over the door in Song's clinic is, meaning "doctor" or "medicine".
 * The first panel of the Lover's story reads, in ancient Chinese script,, which means approximately "The man and woman (Oma and Shu) were separated by two areas; they will meet at this peak."
 * The character that appears when Katara reads about the war between the Lover's villages is, meaning "war".
 * The final panel of the Lover's story reads, in ancient Chinese script,, which means approximately "Omashu City, to forever remember their love."
 * The writing on the relief of the two lovers seems to read, which means something along the lines of "Love is brightest in the dark".

"Return to Omashu"

 * The governor's ransom letter reads as follows:
 * Cowardly kidnapper, I agree to exchange your lowly King Bumi for my son Tom Tom's safety. The exchange will take place precisely at noon tomorrow at the base of the city's summit rock statue.
 * Cowardly kidnapper, I agree to exchange your lowly King Bumi for my son Tom Tom's safety. The exchange will take place precisely at noon tomorrow at the base of the city's summit rock statue.
 * Cowardly kidnapper, I agree to exchange your lowly King Bumi for my son Tom Tom's safety. The exchange will take place precisely at noon tomorrow at the base of the city's summit rock statue.
 * Cowardly kidnapper, I agree to exchange your lowly King Bumi for my son Tom Tom's safety. The exchange will take place precisely at noon tomorrow at the base of the city's summit rock statue.

"The Swamp"

 * The sign on the cart which passes Iroh and Zuko reads, meaning "Happy Traveler's Opera Troupe".

"Avatar Day"

 * A lantern during the parade scene has the character painted on it, meaning "alcohol" and indicating a tavern.
 * The ancient Chinese scripts carved on the lower part of the statue reads, meaning "Emperor Chin". He is named after Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, from whose name the English name for China is derived.
 * The writing on the "Birth of Kyoshi" painting reads, which translates as "On this day, Avatar Kyoshi split and created Kyoshi Island, in the hope that our citizens' culture will forever be isolated from the tyranny of the world."

"The Blind Bandit"

 * The advertisement for Master Yu's Earthbending Academy reads as follows:
 * Master Yu's Earthbending Academy is the best school in the entire country. Guaranteed everything taught will be learned. Special promotion – first lesson is free. You only need to purchase a high-quality uniform.
 * Master Yu's Earthbending Academy is the best school in the entire country. Guaranteed everything taught will be learned. Special promotion – first lesson is free. You only need to purchase a high-quality uniform.
 * Master Yu's Earthbending Academy is the best school in the entire country. Guaranteed everything taught will be learned. Special promotion – first lesson is free. You only need to purchase a high-quality uniform.
 * Master Yu's Earthbending Academy is the best school in the entire country. Guaranteed everything taught will be learned. Special promotion – first lesson is free. You only need to purchase a high-quality uniform.


 * The sign over the entrance to Master Yu's school reads, meaning "Master Yu's Famous Earthbending Academy".
 * Toph's ransom note reads as follows:
 * If you wish to see your daughter alive, (bring) five hundred gold bars to the arena. (Signed) The Boulder & Xin Fu.
 * If you wish to see your daughter alive, (bring) five hundred gold bars to the arena. (Signed) The Boulder & Xin Fu.
 * If you wish to see your daughter alive, (bring) five hundred gold bars to the arena. (Signed) The Boulder & Xin Fu.
 * If you wish to see your daughter alive, (bring) five hundred gold bars to the arena. (Signed) The Boulder & Xin Fu.

"The Library"

 * The writing on Professor Zei's map reads, meaning "Wan Shi Tong's Mysterious Library".
 * The book Sokka pulls off the shelf while Aang is looking at the lion turtle painting has on its cover the characters, meaning "child" or "master" and "white", respectively; however, these are likely just random characters chosen for looks.
 * The parchment documenting the Fire Nation's Darkest Day reads, which means "The 9th day of the 7th month of the Cultivate Rule Dragon Year was the darkest day in Fire Nation history".
 * The Chinese characters around the calendar wheel form the era names used for dating events in the Avatar World.
 * 1. - Superior military
 * 2. - Honest and exalted
 * 3. - Foundation and origin
 * 4. - Bright abundance
 * 5. - Great prosperity
 * 6. - Overflowing culture
 * 7. - Cultivate rule
 * 8. - Shining virtue
 * 9. - Virtuous harmony
 * 10. - Immersed in brightness
 * 11. - Peace of Emperor Yao
 * 12. - Burning honor
 * 13. - Peaceful atmosphere
 * 14. - As smoothly as the Zhang River
 * 15. - City of righteousness
 * 16. - Burning light
 * The first character in these two-character words has a radical (one of the 214 ideographic elements in Chinese writing used in combination with phonetics to form thousands of different characters) that represents one of the four elements, and rotates in the order of air - water - earth - fire.
 * 气 - the "air" radical, used in characters related to gas
 * 氵 - the "three drops of water" radical, used in characters related to liquid
 * 土 - the "earth" radical, used in characters related to dirt, earth, mineral, etc.
 * 火 - the "fire" radical, used in characters related to fire, heat, etc.
 * Note: These definitions are very loosely based on the characters, as many of the combinations are difficult to understand. Some of the characters are no longer used in modern Chinese.
 * Note: These definitions are very loosely based on the characters, as many of the combinations are difficult to understand. Some of the characters are no longer used in modern Chinese.
 * Note: These definitions are very loosely based on the characters, as many of the combinations are difficult to understand. Some of the characters are no longer used in modern Chinese.


 * The date of the Day of Black Sun is set on the dial as "The 1st day of the 8th month of the Superior Military Monkey Year" . This could translate to August 1 in the Gregorian Calendar. However, if the World of Avatar uses the Chinese lunar calendar, the date would fall sometime in mid to late August or September.

"The Serpent's Pass"



 * Toph's passport reads, meaning "Earth Kingdom first class passport – Toph Beifong".
 * The ferry tickets read, meaning "Full Moon Bay Ferry Ticket".
 * The gate at the entrance of the Serpent's Pass reads, meaning "Coiling Serpent Pass". The graffiti reads , meaning "despair", or the literal meaning "sever hope".
 * Iroh's forged passport reads, meaning "Earth Kingdom passport – Hong Mushi".
 * Zuko's forged passport reads, meaning "Earth Kingdom passport – Hong Li".
 * The stamp the official lady puts on Aang's forehead says, meaning "denied".

"The Drill"

 * The banner in the Ba Sing Se customs office reads, meaning "Welcome to Ba Sing Se".
 * The plaque on the slurry pipeline reads, meaning "slurry pipeline".

"City of Walls and Secrets"

 * The invitations to the Earth King's party have written on them, meaning "South Gate".
 * The name of the tea shop is, meaning "Mr. Pao's Tea House".

"The Tales of Ba Sing Se"

 * The characters before each story read, in order, (Katara and Toph's tale),  (Aang's tale),  (Sokka's tale),  (Iroh's tale),  (Zuko's tale), and  (Momo's tale). In the title card for "The Tale of Toph and Katara", the Chinese translation puts Katara's name before Toph's. Toph's name is also written differently in the titlecard than on her passport from "The Serpent's Pass" and the letter from her mother in "The Earth King". Zuko's name is also different; in "The Desert", Zuko's name was listed on a Fire Nation wanted poster in Chinese as "祖寇" (zǔkòu), while here his name is written as "蘇科" (sūkē). The character 蘇 (sū) is also used in Fire Lord Sozin's name.
 * The sign on the spa which Katara and Toph visit reads, which translates as "Noble Lady's Beauty Parlor".
 * The Chinese characters on Lu Ten's picture, when read in the traditional right and vertical way, roughly translate as "General Iroh, I will see you again when victory is obtained. Your loyal son, Lu Ten."
 * The sign in front of the zoo Aang visits reads, which translates as "Happy Zoo".
 * The sign outside of the hall in "The Tale of Sokka" reads, which translates as "Five-Seven-Five Society".

"Lake Laogai"



 * Appa's wanted poster reads as follows:
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."
 * "Searching for a flying sky bison. His name is Appa, he has six legs and weighs ten tons. If you have any information, please contact Avatar Aang in the Upper Ring, 96th District, house #217."

"The Guru"

 * The signboard over the door of the Jasmine Dragon reads, its name in Chinese.
 * The characters on the sign inside the teashop display a traditional Chinese proverb: "It is better to go for three days without food than one day without tea".

"The Avatar and the Fire Lord"

 * The characters on the scroll Zuko receives read, and mean approximately "You need to know what's happened after your great-grandfather's demise, it will reveal your own destiny"; the hidden message, means approximately "The secret history of the sages of Fire Nation is hidden in the Dragonbone Catacombs".
 * The characters on the first box containing Sozin's history read, which means "The Last Testament of Fire Lord Sozin". The second box reads , which means approximately "Draft of the Last Testament of Fire Lord Sozin".
 * The characters that can be seen at the end of Sozin's testament are, which means "threat", and , which is presumably the end of the word "airbender".

"The Runaway"



 * Toph's wanted poster reads as follows:
 * Wanted — The Runaway. Authorities are offering a reward of thousand gold coins for the arrest of this twelve year old girl. She disguises herself as a blind person, and although she is small, she is extremely dangerous. Any information will be promptly rewarded.
 * Wanted — The Runaway. Authorities are offering a reward of thousand gold coins for the arrest of this twelve year old girl. She disguises herself as a blind person, and although she is small, she is extremely dangerous. Any information will be promptly rewarded.
 * Wanted — The Runaway. Authorities are offering a reward of thousand gold coins for the arrest of this twelve year old girl. She disguises herself as a blind person, and although she is small, she is extremely dangerous. Any information will be promptly rewarded.
 * Wanted — The Runaway. Authorities are offering a reward of thousand gold coins for the arrest of this twelve year old girl. She disguises herself as a blind person, and although she is small, she is extremely dangerous. Any information will be promptly rewarded.
 * Wanted — The Runaway. Authorities are offering a reward of thousand gold coins for the arrest of this twelve year old girl. She disguises herself as a blind person, and although she is small, she is extremely dangerous. Any information will be promptly rewarded.


 * The messenger hawk advertisement reads as follows:
 * Messenger bird training class. Meets at sunrise at the post office. Each lesson is three copper pieces.
 * Messenger bird training class. Meets at sunrise at the post office. Each lesson is three copper pieces.
 * Messenger bird training class. Meets at sunrise at the post office. Each lesson is three copper pieces.
 * Messenger bird training class. Meets at sunrise at the post office. Each lesson is three copper pieces.


 * The poster before Toph's wanted poster reads, meaning "Fire - Arrests". It probably signals the start of the wanted posters section.
 * The poster on the far right of the billboard reads, meaning "Topics for this evening's street conference: air quality and street gambling".
 * The poster with two dragons entwined in a heart reads, meaning "Ember Island Theater". It is a reference to the Ember Island Players, and is most likely a poster for "Love amongst the Dragons" (which Zuko says he used to see every year with his mother).

"The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion"

 * Sokka's maps read as follows:
 * - The Greatest Nation (eg. Fire Nation) Royal Atlas
 * - Map of the World
 * - Chart of the Entire Nation's Land and Sea Territories
 * - Map of Capital Island
 * - Map of the Royal Capital City

"The Ember Island Players"

 * The poster for The Boy in the Iceberg reads as follows:
 * The Boy in the Iceberg: The famous Earth Kingdom playwright Pu-on Tim's new work has collected information about the Avatar from around the globe, from the icebergs of the Southern Water Tribe to the Earth Kingdom capital. Information came from nomad singers, pirates, prisoners of war and a knowledgeable merchant of cabbage. Starring the Ember Island Players.
 * The Boy in the Iceberg: The famous Earth Kingdom playwright Pu-on Tim's new work has collected information about the Avatar from around the globe, from the icebergs of the Southern Water Tribe to the Earth Kingdom capital. Information came from nomad singers, pirates, prisoners of war and a knowledgeable merchant of cabbage. Starring the Ember Island Players.
 * The Boy in the Iceberg: The famous Earth Kingdom playwright Pu-on Tim's new work has collected information about the Avatar from around the globe, from the icebergs of the Southern Water Tribe to the Earth Kingdom capital. Information came from nomad singers, pirates, prisoners of war and a knowledgeable merchant of cabbage. Starring the Ember Island Players.
 * The Boy in the Iceberg: The famous Earth Kingdom playwright Pu-on Tim's new work has collected information about the Avatar from around the globe, from the icebergs of the Southern Water Tribe to the Earth Kingdom capital. Information came from nomad singers, pirates, prisoners of war and a knowledgeable merchant of cabbage. Starring the Ember Island Players.
 * The Boy in the Iceberg: The famous Earth Kingdom playwright Pu-on Tim's new work has collected information about the Avatar from around the globe, from the icebergs of the Southern Water Tribe to the Earth Kingdom capital. Information came from nomad singers, pirates, prisoners of war and a knowledgeable merchant of cabbage. Starring the Ember Island Players.


 * The sign over the stage reads, meaning "Ember Island Theater".

"Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang"

 * The ending card reads, which means "The End (of this play)".

Other translations

 * The Chinese calligraphy featured on the cover of the Season Three boxed set (as well as on a T-shirt given away at Comic-con) can be seen below; however, much of it is either blocked by Aang or hidden by the poor contrast.
 * Translated as:
 * The comet's evil floods the vast sky,
 * The tyrant, Ozai, longs to burn all things.
 * Heroic Aang who brings peace,
 * The sound of arms does not cease.
 * The comet's evil floods the vast sky,
 * The tyrant, Ozai, longs to burn all things.
 * Heroic Aang who brings peace,
 * The sound of arms does not cease.


 * Zuko, in the Gym Time comic, firebends the characters, meaning "Pick me."
 * The message Aang leaves Katara in School Time Shipping reads, and means "Katara, will you go to the dance with me? Aang."

"Private Fire"

 * The poster Sokka holds up in part 1 of the comic reads as follows:
 * Join the winning team! Sign up at your local recruitment center today!
 * Join the winning team! Sign up at your local recruitment center today!
 * Join the winning team! Sign up at your local recruitment center today!

"Ember Island Arcade"

 * For some reason, the sign above the entrance to the Ember Island Arcade reads, meaning "near-synonym". It is strangely also written entirely in Simplified Chinese.

Rebound

 * The sign outside Mura's flower shop reads, meaning "florist".
 * The poster of Ozai and the New Ozai Society's headbands all read, meaning "Ozai".

The Promise Part 1

 * The signs the mob outside Yu Dao are holding read, meaning "Get out!" or "Go back!", literally "Roll back there!"; , meaning "Give us back peace!"; and , meaning "Give us back safety!"
 * During the scene where Zuko tours Aang through Yu Dao, several signs can be seen. The one farthest to the back reads, meaning "Green Flame Inn". The red sign reads , meaning "Yu Dao Grocery Store", and the closest two yellow signs read , meaning "Tasty Hotpot Restaurant".
 * The sign in front of the blacksmith's shop reads, meaning "Old Chen's Blacksmith Shop".
 * In the scene where the Mayor Morishita's family appears for the second time, two signs can be seen: one reading, meaning "Sweet Aroma Teahouse" and one reading , meaning "Green Blaze Inn".

The Promise Part 2

 * The signboard over the door of the Beifong Metalbending Academy reads, meaning "Beifong".
 * The hanging scroll inside the dojo reads, meaning "Do you need a beating?", or literally "Do you want me to beat you?"
 * The two visible foods on the menu in the ramen shop are (Dabao) and  (Xiaolongbao), traditional Chinese steamed buns resembling dumplings.
 * Sokka's headband has the characters on it, meaning "Come on!" or "You can do it!"
 * The calligraphy in the headquarters of the Official Avatar Aang Fan Club, Ba Sing Se Chapter reads, meaning "Air is Harmonious." It is the same calligraphy from the opening titles.
 * The hanging scroll in the side room of the dojo has the character, meaning "smelt metals", written on it.
 * The right flag on Master Kunyo's head is emblazoned with the character, meaning "fiery", "ferocious", or "ardent".

The Search Part 1



 * Ursa's letter reads:


 * My dearest Ikem, it's taken me a long time to admit it, but you were right. I belong with you, and nothing is worth this pain. My one consolation is our son Zuko. When I look into his eyes, it's as if I'm looking into yours. My thoughts are with you always. Love, Ursa


 * On the stone tablet under the Fire Nation emblem, there is the character which means ferocious.

The Search Part 2

 * The sign at the entrance to the Forgetful Valley reads - literally, "Forget Sadness Valley".

The Rift Part 1

 * The name above the refinery reads, which literally translates as "dirt-fire company".

The Rift Part 2

 * The sign outside the cabbage merchant's restaurant reads, or "Cabbage Delicacies Bistro".

The Rift Part 3

 * The banners carried in the celebration parade read, which can mean either "god" or "spirit of god".

"Welcome to Republic City"

 * The poster behind the Equalist protester is emblazoned with the character 平 (píng), meaning "equal". The two side banners read, meaning "Join the revolution!"
 * In the scene where Korra fights the triads, and the subsequent chase scene, many signs can be seen, most of which are repeated throughout the scene. They are, meaning "dumplings"; , meaning "fresh vegetables and fruits"; , meaning "jewelery"; , meaning "general store"; , meaning "antiques; meaning "bookstore"; , meaning "barbershop"; , meaning "herbal medicine store"; , meaning "tailor"; , meaning "noodles"; , meaning "clothing store"; , meaning "acupuncture".
 * The shop sign above the phonograph store being held up by the Triple Threat Triad says, meaning "phonographs", and the sign on the clock store opposite reads , meaning "clock and watch store".
 * The police blimp has the word for police,, painted on the front and side.

"A Leaf in the Wind"

 * The newspaper Korra is reading at the table has the characters written at the top. Typical of many Chinese names and titles, this may have multiple meanings; here, the title at the top may be translated as "First Dispatch", "Basic Dispatch", or in a looser sense, "Breaking News". It may also mean "Yuan News" (in the sense of "Penny News").
 * The newspaper with Chief Lin Beifong and Tarrlok's pictures that Korra uses when attempting airbending is called Republic News.
 * The scoring tubes read, meaning "Round 1"; , meaning "Round 2"; , meaning "Knockout"; and , meaning "Winner".

"The Revelation"



 * The front of the 25-yuan bills seen throughout the episode have, meaning "25", written on the sides, and , meaning "Republic City", written across the top. The back has again 25 written on the sides, and , meaning "The Home of the World", written across the top.
 * When Korra and Mako first encounter the chi blockers, the shop signs in the background read, meaning "herbal medicine store", and , meaning "barbershop".
 * The flyers the Equalist protester is handing out read, meaning "Witness - Tonight at 9."
 * The poster behind Amon reads, meaning "Witness! Join the Revolution!" The banners are again emblazoned with the character , meaning "equal".

"The Voice in the Night"



 * The signboard over the entrance to Kwong's Cuisine reads, its name in Chinese, the literal meaning being "Mr. Kwong's Delicacies".
 * The banners for Korra's party in front of Republic City Hall read, meaning "Avatar".
 * The sign in front of the bookstore reads meaning simply "bookstore".
 * The poster in the hidden Equalist training room reads, meaning "Amon is the solution!"
 * The clock face has the Chinese numerals 1-12 arranged around the outside. The characters on the two inner wheels are written in the archaic Seal Script form.

"The Aftermath"

 * The police tape reads, meaning "Republic City Police".
 * The poster in the underground Equalist factory reads, meaning "Amon is the solution!", and , meaning "Follow Amon!"

"When Extremes Meet"

 * The dial on the dashboard of Asami's car has the numbers 1-14 written around the edge.
 * The signs on the police vans read, meaning "Republic City Police Force".

"Turning the Tides"

 * The newspaper read by the Fire Nation councilwoman's husband says, meaning "United Daily News".
 * The Equalists' airships are marked with the character, meaning "equal".

"Skeletons in the Closet"/"Endgame"

 * The large poster on Amon's de-bending platform at Air Temple Island and the banner in the Pro-bending Arena read, meaning "Amon's era has begun!"

"Peacekeepers"

 * The Southern Water Tribe protester's signs read, meaning "peace"; , meaning "Autonomy for the South"; and , meaning "freedom".
 * The police tape reads, meaning "Republic City Police".
 * The poster in Mako and Bolin's apartment reads, meaning "Fire Ferrets".
 * The book in Lu and Gang's drawer is called, meaning "How To Be a Righteous Man".

"The Sting"

 * The end title card of "Nuktuk, Hero of the South" reads, its name in Chinese.

"A New Spiritual Age"

 * The first page of the book Jinora finds reads:
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.
 * In the north and south spirits engage in a fierce battle from the Spirit World to enter the material world. The energy conveyed from both sides produces the Northern and Southern portals.


 * The picture on the second page is captioned, meaning "Tree of Time".

"Night of a Thousand Stars"

 * Bolin's autographed poster reads, meaning "Dear Mako, Nuktuk says "keep smiling!".
 * All the posters on the Pro-bending Arena say "Nuktuk, Hero of the South".

"The Earth Queen"

 * The signs in the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se contain the characters, meaning dragon, and , meaning noodles.
 * San's letter to Yin reads:
 * ... already married, and have two sons named ... {Mako and} Bolin. They bring us no small amount (lots) of joy and ... much trouble. I believe that you (people) understand ... hope that one day you and them can {reunite} ... a photograph of us.
 * This letter is written in a mixture of simplified and traditional Chinese rather than all traditional.
 * ... already married, and have two sons named ... {Mako and} Bolin. They bring us no small amount (lots) of joy and ... much trouble. I believe that you (people) understand ... hope that one day you and them can {reunite} ... a photograph of us.
 * This letter is written in a mixture of simplified and traditional Chinese rather than all traditional.
 * ... already married, and have two sons named ... {Mako and} Bolin. They bring us no small amount (lots) of joy and ... much trouble. I believe that you (people) understand ... hope that one day you and them can {reunite} ... a photograph of us.
 * This letter is written in a mixture of simplified and traditional Chinese rather than all traditional.
 * This letter is written in a mixture of simplified and traditional Chinese rather than all traditional.

"The Metal Clan"

 * The couplet by Guru Laghima engraved on the locket reads, meaning "Let go your earthly tether; Enter the void, empty, and become wind."
 * The main headline on the newspaper Lin Beifong is reading says, meaning "Security Force."

"Old Wounds"

 * The acupuncturists's business card reads, meaning "Dr. Guo, Acupuncture Specialist. 23rd Street, Zaofu City.
 * The shop signs when Lin confronts Suyin in her memory read from left to right, meaning "clothing store"; , meaning "jewelry"; and , meaning "herbal medicine store".

"The Terror Within"

 * The letter Mako finds in Hong Li's home reads, meaning "Team assembled, ready to rendezvous."
 * The cover of the book Mako gives to Aiwei is emblazoned with the words, meaning "Zaofu Security Force".

"The Stakeout"

 * The body of the wanted posters reads:
 * From - the Earth Queen's Imperial Decree. The below-listed accused is to be seized and arrested. Any person with information is to report it for a handsome reward.
 * Each poster is marked with the name of the person pictured: Bolin's says, "Bolin from Republic City", and Korra's , "Avatar Korra". The queen's seal reads , meaning "The Imperial Seal of the Earth Queen."
 * From - the Earth Queen's Imperial Decree. The below-listed accused is to be seized and arrested. Any person with information is to report it for a handsome reward.
 * Each poster is marked with the name of the person pictured: Bolin's says, "Bolin from Republic City", and Korra's , "Avatar Korra". The queen's seal reads , meaning "The Imperial Seal of the Earth Queen."
 * From - the Earth Queen's Imperial Decree. The below-listed accused is to be seized and arrested. Any person with information is to report it for a handsome reward.
 * Each poster is marked with the name of the person pictured: Bolin's says, "Bolin from Republic City", and Korra's , "Avatar Korra". The queen's seal reads , meaning "The Imperial Seal of the Earth Queen."


 * The sign at the entrance to the Misty Palms Oasis reads.




 * The map has a number of locations marked on it. From left to right: Seven Day (or Sun) Temple, Wen Wilderness , Chaoyang Market , Golden Phoenix Mountain , Misty Palms Oasis , Si Wong Desert , Du'an Village , and, at the bottom and partly obscured, a place that seems to be marked , literally "Sleeping Chicken River".
 * The sign over the inn at which Aiwei is staying marks it as the "Misty Palms Inn".
 * The two books in the hotel's drawers are "How To Be a Righteous Man" and "Handbook of the Rules of Pai Sho".

"After All These Years"

 * The sign at the entrance to the Yi State Capital reads meaning, predictably, "Yi State Capital".
 * The caption on the map on Kuvira's train reads, meaning "Map of the Unified Earth Kingdom Under Interim President Kuvira's Administration".
 * The name of the hotel at which Prince Wu stays is, meaning "Four Elements Hotel".
 * The contract Kuvira gives the village leader to sign reads:
 * Pursuant to the present treaty, the State of Yi is abolished. On the basis of the aforementioned clause, the Earth Kingdom's interim president, Kuvira of the Metal Clan, is entrusted with the protection and administration of the region.
 * President of the State of Yi
 * Interim President of the Earth Kingdom, Kuvira
 * Pursuant to the present treaty, the State of Yi is abolished. On the basis of the aforementioned clause, the Earth Kingdom's interim president, Kuvira of the Metal Clan, is entrusted with the protection and administration of the region.
 * President of the State of Yi
 * Interim President of the Earth Kingdom, Kuvira
 * Pursuant to the present treaty, the State of Yi is abolished. On the basis of the aforementioned clause, the Earth Kingdom's interim president, Kuvira of the Metal Clan, is entrusted with the protection and administration of the region.
 * President of the State of Yi
 * Interim President of the Earth Kingdom, Kuvira


 * Kuvira's banner reads, "President Kuvira, Unify the State of Yi!"

"The Coronation"

 * The banners flying in Little Ba Sing Se Fashion Mall read, which translates as "Little Ba Sing Se". The characters used for Ba Sing Se, and , mean "perpetually strong".
 * A sign in the background while Wu and Mako drink smoothies reads, meaning "happy". The hanging signs seem to read , meaning "red braised pork".
 * The shops behind King Wu as he confronts the vendors selling T-shirts with an image of Kuvira read, , and , meaning "seafood", "fruit", and "carpets", respectively.

"The Calling"

 * The sign above a building in the first town that Meelo and Jinora visit reads.
 * The hanging sign in the town where Meelo meets Tuyen seems to read, which literally means "North Goat".

"The Battle of Zaofu"

 * The banners hung after Kuvira's takeover of Zaofu read, meaning "Long live Kuvira!" and , meaning "Earth Empire".

"Reunion"

 * The advertisement on the back of Asami's magazine reads:
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!
 * Ladies, our industry needs you! Do you want to one ... and high... position? Come by our recruitment office to arrange an interview. We offer expert and beginner-level positions. Don't wait - hurry and take hold of your future!


 * Bolin's wanted poster reads: meaing "Reward for arrest: former corporal Bolin, Earth Empire traitor." Varrick's reads the same apart from his name, which is written.

"Remembrances"

 * The plaque in Asami's training room reads, meaning "Northern Shaolin", a style of Chinese martial arts.

"Operation Beifong"

 * The sign on the abandoned metro station in the Republic City Spirit Wilds reads, meaning "25" and probably indicating the street.

"Kuvira's Gambit"

 * The banners seen in the background while Wu gives his evacuation speech seem to read, meaning "Longting (district)", , meaning "goods", and . The two storefronts have signs that read , "Elegant Treasure Clothing", and , literally "Disciple King Sound Castle": the character in the sun is , meaning "earth".
 * The number pad in front of a door in Baatar Jr.'s airship includes the Chinese numbers 0-9, as well as on the bottom left side, which looks like the number sign but actually means "(water) well", and  on the bottom right side, meaning "star", which probably refers to the asterisk key. Note that these two keys are swapped, compared to a real world number pad.

"Day of the Colossus"

 * The words on the paint store window are, meaning "Rich Color".
 * The Future Industries billboard has the same text as Asami's magazine in "Reunion", but is printed backward.

San Diego Comic-Con panel

 * In the Comic-Con presentation where Korra is seen battling multiple Equalists, several signs and advertisements can be seen, though not all are legible:, meaning "come" or "return", , meaning "wind", and , meaning "Fire People Street".

Literature


There are many books and scrolls in the Avatar World. Many of these are located, or have a copy at Wan Shi Tong's Library.

List of known works

 * A History of Team Avatar - a historical saga recounting the many adventures of Avatar Aang and his friends.
 * Book of Clouds - a book belonging to the fortuneteller Aunt Wu used in divining the meanings and portents of various cloud shapes.
 * The Boy in the Iceberg by Pu-on Tim - a play recounting the actions of Team Avatar during the last year of the war, but with a pro-Fire Nation ending.
 * Encyclopedia - a collection of information that Earth King Kuei used to teach Bosco how to live in the wild.
 * The Greatest Nation's Royal-Issue Atlas - a large printed atlas of the Fire Nation, its territories and cities. A copy was used by Hakoda to plan the failed invasion of the Fire Nation on the Day of Black Sun.
 * How To Be a Righteous Man - a book found in a policeman's drawer. It has a drawing of a shirtless man in a kung-fu pose on the cover.
 * Katara's diary - Katara's record of the events following the fall of Ba Sing Se.
 * The Last Will and Testament of Fire Lord Sozin by Fire Lord Sozin - a secret autobiography of the Fire Lord's life, kept in the Dragonbone Catacombs.
 * Scroll - given to Prince Zuko by a mysterious cloaked figure.
 * Star chart - a chart of the stars in the sky. It can be used to guide people across unknown lands by showing them how to follow the path of stars.
 * Unknown historical romance - a love story telling the history of a doomed love between a princess and the son of an enemy general. Because they could not be together, she rode a dragon into battle and burned down the entire country before throwing herself into a volcano.
 * Waterbending scroll - a rare and valuable teaching scroll stolen from the Northern Water Tribe by pirates, later recovered by Katara and was donated to Wan Shi Tong and his collection of knowledge.

Newspapers


A newspaper is a type of inexpensive daily publication found in Republic City that communicates news stories, current events, and informational articles about the goings on in and around the city. At least three different newspapers operate in the city: the Yuan News, the Republic News , and the United Daily News.

Trivia

 * The written Chinese content in Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra was provided by cultural consultant Dr. Siu-Leung Lee. He handled all of the translation and calligraphy for both shows, including the calligraphy for the logo of the former. His vast knowledge of various styles of calligraphy throughout China's history added a culturally grounding component to the show. While most of the Chinese used was classical Chinese, Lee used his deep knowledge of archaic Chinese for ancient texts about spirits or elements.
 * The writing in the movie adaptation  uses a made-up language influenced by Chinese calligraphy, rather than using written Chinese as done in the original animated series.