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ExamplesCalligraphy
Chinese translations
BooksPiandao had a complete set of writing
implements at his castle.
Piandao taught Sokka calligraphy during
the latter's swordsmanship training.
Writing and literature form an integral part in societies all
across the World of Avatar. All four nationsborrowed 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.
WritingWriting 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.
CharactersTraditional 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", 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 examplesinclude
"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 isthat 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 theexistence 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.
CalligraphyCalligraphy 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.
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Chinese character translations
Contents
Writing in the World of Avatar
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Aang's wanted poster is seen in
"The Deserter".
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.
Avatar: The Last Airbender episode translationsOpening
sequence
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
- The world [all under heaven] is guided by one
The four inscriptions on the corners are referred to each
element (nation), and can be translated to:
- Water is Benevolent
- Earth is Strong
- Fire is Fierce
- Air is Harmonious
Above the Avatar title slide, the characters can be translated
to:
- the divine medium who has descended upon the world (i.e. the
Avatar).
Book One: Water
"The Warriors of Kyoshi"
Main article: The Warriors of Kyoshi
The fan the statue of Kyoshi holds to her dress is inscribed
with the character (ky 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: The Blue Spirit
Aang's wanted poster reads as follows:
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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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: Bato of the Water Tribe
Main article: Rendezvous map
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"
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The Fire Days Festival poster
depicts a dragon.
This is Jeong Jeong's wanted
poster.
This wanted poster depicts Chey.
This is a wanted poster for the
Blue Spirit.
This is Iroh and Zuko's wanted
poster.
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![1]
Jeong Jeong's wanted poster
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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.[1]
Chey's wanted poster
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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.[1]
Blue Spirit wanted poster
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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.[1]
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"
Main article: 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".
Book Two: Earth
"The Avatar State"
Main article: 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 writing on Zuko's knife reads , which means "Never give up
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The sign over the entrance to the Cave
of Two Lovers reads , meaning
"Cave of the Lovers".
A ransom letter was sent to Toph's
parents after she and Aang were taken
by Xin Fu and the Earth Rumble VI
fighters.
"The Cave of Two Lovers"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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.
"The Swamp"
Main article: The Swamp
The sign on the cart which passes Iroh and Zuko reads , meaning
"Happy Traveler's Opera Troupe".
"Avatar Day"
Main article: 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."[1]
"The Blind Bandit"
Main article: 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.
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.
"The Library"
Main article: 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]
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The entrance of the Serpent's Pass
reads , meaning "Coiling Serpent
Pass".
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.
- the "air" radical, used in characters related to gas
- the "three drops of water" radical, used in characters related
to liquid
- the "earth" radical, used in characters related to dirt,
earth, mineral, etc.
- 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
modernChinese.
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"
Main article: 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"
(literally "sever hope").
Iroh's forged passport reads , meaning "Earth Kingdom passport
Hong Mushi".[1]
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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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 "" (zku), while here his name is written as "" (sk). The
character (s) 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"
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Appa's lost pet poster features a
head-on view of the sky bison.
Posters are seen at the post office in the Fire Fountain
City.
Main article: 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."
"The Guru"
Main article: 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".
Book Three: Fire
"The Avatar and the Fire Lord"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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.
The messenger hawk advertisement reads as follows:
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"
Main article: The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion
Sokka's maps read as follows:[1]
- 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
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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 sign over the stage reads , meaning "Ember Island
Theater".
"Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang"
Main article: Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang
The ending card reads , which means "The End (of this
play)".
Other translationsThe 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.
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."
Avatar comic translationsBook Three: Fire
"Private Fire"
Main article: 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!
Ember Island Arcade
Main article: 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
Main article: 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 translationsThe Promise Part 1
Main article: The Promise Part 1
The signs the mob outside Yu Dao are holding read , meaning "Get
out!" or "Go back!" (literal meaning of "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
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Zuko reading Ursa's letter.
The Promise Part 2
Main article: 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?" (literal meaning: 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 translationsThe Search Part 1
Main article: 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
Main article: The Search Part 2
The sign at the entrance to the Forgetful Valley reads -
literally, "Forget Sadness Valley".
The Rift translationsThe Rift Part 1
Main article: The Rift Part 1
The name above the refinery reads , which literally translates
as "dirt-fire company".
The Rift Part 2
Main article: The Rift Part 2
The sign outside the cabbage merchant's restaurant reads , or
"Cabbage Delicacies Bistro".[nb 1]
The Legend of Korra episode translationsBook One: Air
"Welcome to Republic City"
Main article: Welcome to Republic City
The poster behind the Equalist protester is emblazoned with the
character (png), 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.
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A flyer for The Revelation depicted
Amon.
Avatar Aang Memorial Museum clock
has the Chinese numerals 1-12
arranged around the outside.
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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: The Voice in the Night
The signboard over the entrance to Kwong's Cuisine reads , its
name in Chinese (literally "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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: Skeletons in the Closet
Main article: 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!"
Book Two: Spirits
"Peacekeepers"
Main article: 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"
Main article: The Sting
The end title card of "Nuktuk, Hero of the South" reads , its
name in Chinese.
"A New Spiritual Age"
Main article: A New Spiritual Age
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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"
Main article: 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".
Book Three: Change
"The Earth Queen"
Main article: 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.
For some reason, this letter is written in a mixture of
simplified and traditional Chinese rather than all traditional.
"The Metal Clan"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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."
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
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Asami's map shows a detailed aerial
shot of the south-western Si Wong
Desert.
The two books in the hotel's drawers are "How To Be a Righteous
Man" () and "Handbook of the Rules of Pai Sho" ().
Book Four: Balance
"After All These Years"
Main article: 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
Kuvira's banner reads , "President Kuvira, Unify the State of
Yi!"
"The Coronation"
Main article: 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"
Main article: 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"
Main article: The Battle of Zaofu
The banners hung after Kuvira's takeover of Zaofu read , meaning
"Long live Kuvira!" and , meaning "Earth Empire".
"Reunion"
Main article: 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!
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"
Main article: Remembrances
The plaque in Asami's training room reads , meaning "Northern
Shaolin", a style of Chinese martial arts.
"Operation Beifong"
Main article: 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"
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The Book of Clouds was owned by Wu.
The United Daily News is read by the
Fire Nation councilwoman's husband.
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"
Main article: 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 panelIn 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".
LiteratureThere 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 worksA 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 Nationending.
Encyclopedia - a collection of information that Earth King Kuei
used to teach Bosco how to live in the wild.[2]
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 planthe failed invasion of the Fire Nation on the Day of
Black Sun.[3]
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.[4]
Katara's diary - Katara's record of the events following the
fall of Ba Sing Se.[5]
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.[6]
Scroll - given to Prince Zuko by a mysterious cloaked
figure.[6]
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 adragon into battle
and burned down the entire country before throwing herself into a
volcano.[7]
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 hiscollection of knowledge.
NewspapersA 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 ().
NotesThe set of Chinese characters featured in Avatar is
predominantly traditional, used regularly in modern Taiwan, Hong
Kong, and Macau, as well as
older overseas Chinese communities. Many characters were
simplified in the 20th century as part of a literacy campaign by
the Chinese Communist
party[8] and are used in Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia and
by the United Nations. Readers should note that contrary to popular
belief, most
Chinese characters are not stylized representations of pictures,
that is, most characters are not pictograms. Though many of the
characters once were pictograms, centuries of change has
rendered the resemblance almost non-existent.
TriviaThe 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 The Last Airbender uses a
made-up language influenced by Chinese calligraphy, rather than
using written Chinese as done in the original animated
series.
Notes The word used here for "cabbage" is a shortened version of
one used in some dialects and is not standard across China. It is
created by combining three different characters; , , and . The
""
on its own refers only to a "wrapped heart", with the "" meaning
"vegetable".
1.
References 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Avatar: The Last
AirbenderThe Art of the Animated Series1.
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ENTERTAINMENT ]
Nick Magazine presents "It's Only Natural".2.
DiMartino, Michael Dante (writer) & Volpe, Giancarlo
(director). (November 30, 2007). "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The
Invasion". Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 10.
Nickelodeon.3.
Hedrick, Tim (writer) & Heck, Colin (director). (October 4,
2013). "Peacekeepers". The Legend of Korra. Season 1. Episode 17.
Nickelodeon.4.
Nick Magazine presents, "The Bridge".5.
6.0 6.1 Ehasz, Elizabeth Welch (writer) & Spaulding, Ethan
(director). (October 26, 2007). "The Avatar and the Fire Lord".
Avatar: The Last Airbender. Season 3. Episode 6. Nickelodeon.6.
DiMartino, Michael Dante, Konietzko, Bryan (writers) & Dos
Santos, Joaquim, Ryu, Ki Hyun (directors). (May 5, 2012). "The
Spirit of Competition". The Legend of Korra. Season 1. Episode 5.
Nickelodeon.7.
Resolution of the State Council announced the simplified Chinese
characters on the program . China Education and Research Network
(1994). Retrieved on October 23, 2014.8.
See alsoArts in the World of Avatar
Influences on the Avatar series
Names in the World of Avatar
(Chinese)
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