How to Master Kanji for the NAT Japanese Language Test

Kanji is often the most challenging part of the NAT Japanese Language Test, but mastering it is essential for achieving a high score. Whether you’re preparing for NAT N5 or N4, a structured Kanji study approach can make a significant difference in your overall performance. click here

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
Why Kanji is crucial for the NAT-TEST
Kanji lists for N5 & N4 levels
Effective Kanji study techniques
Practice resources & mock tests
Exam strategies to boost your NAT-TEST score

Let’s dive into step-by-step strategies to help you excel in Kanji learning and ace the NAT-TEST!

Understanding the Importance of Kanji in the NAT-TEST

Kanji plays a vital role in the NAT-TEST because it is heavily tested in multiple sections, especially:
Vocabulary Section – Many words are written in Kanji, making recognition essential.
Reading Comprehension – Understanding passages quickly requires Kanji proficiency.

Without strong Kanji knowledge, it becomes difficult to:
Recognize frequently used words
Understand written sentences
Score well in reading-heavy sections

Struggling with audio sections? These listening skills for the NAT-Test tips will help you improve fast.

Key Takeaways

NAT-TEST requires Kanji knowledge for each level.
The reading & vocabulary sections are Kanji-heavy.
Strong Kanji skills enhance overall test performance.

Pro Tip: Learning Kanji radicals (components that make up characters) helps you break down and memorize complex characters faster.

Essential Kanji List for NAT N5 & N4

Each NAT-TEST level has a specific Kanji list that test-takers must master. Here’s a breakdown of the most important Kanji at each level:

NAT N5 Kanji List (Basic Level)

NAT N5 covers basic and essential Kanji that are commonly used in everyday life. You’ll encounter:
Numbers, Days, and Basic Nouns

Kanji	Meaning	Example Usage
日	Day, Sun	日本 (Japan), 日曜日 (Sunday)
月	Month, Moon	月曜日 (Monday), 一月 (January)
火	Fire	火曜日 (Tuesday)
水	Water	水曜日 (Wednesday)
木	Tree	木曜日 (Thursday)
金	Gold, Money	金曜日 (Friday)
土	Earth	土曜日 (Saturday)
人	Person	日本人 (Japanese person)
本	Book, Origin	本 (book), 日本 (Japan)

➡ Total: Around 100 essential Kanji characters

NAT N4 Kanji List (Intermediate Level)

NAT N4 introduces more complex and widely used Kanji, covering verbs, adjectives, and advanced vocabulary.

Want to boost your score? These NAT-TEST reading comprehension tips will help you tackle tricky passages with ease.

Common Verbs, Adjectives, and Academic Words

Kanji	Meaning	Example Usage
勉	Study	勉強 (Study)
強	Strong	強い (Strong)
学	Learning	学校 (School)
校	School	小学校 (Elementary School)
友	Friend	友達 (Friend)
語	Language	日本語 (Japanese Language)
時	Time	時間 (Time)
見	See, Look	見る (To See)
使	Use	使う (To Use)
事	Thing	仕事 (Work)

Total: Around 300 Kanji characters

Pro Tip: Use Kanji in context! Instead of memorizing isolated characters, learn how they appear in words and sentences.

Best Kanji Study Tips & Techniques

Kanji can be overwhelming, but with the right techniques, you can memorize them effectively.

Effective Kanji Learning Techniques

Master Kanji efficiently by using spaced repetition, mnemonics, stroke order practice, reading in context, writing daily, digital flashcards, grouping by radicals, consistent review, and immersive reading with native materials.

Mnemonics – Use Stories to Remember Kanji

Before registering, ensure you’re aware of the NAT Test Fee applicable in your country.

Create a story around the components of a Kanji to make it easier to remember.

Example:
森 (Forest) = 木 (Tree) + 木 (Tree) + 木 (Tree)
Mnemonic: A forest is made of many trees!

Spaced Repetition (SRS) – The Key to Long-Term Memory

Use apps like Anki or Wanikani to review Kanji regularly at optimized intervals.
Revisiting Kanji frequently helps solidify it in your memory.

Kanji Writing Practice – Muscle Memory Works!

Physically writing Kanji improves recognition & recall.
Practice stroke order to strengthen memory connections.

Kanji Flashcards – Quick & Effective Recall

Use physical or digital flashcards with:
Kanji on one side
Meaning, readings, and example sentences on the other

Pro Tip: Say the Kanji out loud when reviewing flashcards!

Not sure which level to aim for? Our guide on the NAT Test Levels breaks down N1 to N5 to help you choose the right path.

Read Japanese Texts – Learn Kanji in Context

Reading simple Japanese materials (manga, news, or blogs) reinforces Kanji in real-world usage.

Start with N5 & N4-level texts, then gradually progress to more complex materials.

NAT N5 & N4 Mock Test and Practice Resources

Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping you:
✔ Familiarize yourself with real test patterns
✔ Improve time management & reading comprehension
✔ Identify weak Kanji areas for improvement

Stay updated with the NAT Test Dates to plan your preparation and registration effectively.

Best Kanji Practice Resources

Official NAT-TEST Past Papers – Review previous test questions.
Kanji Practice Apps – Try Wanikani, Anki, and Kanji Study.
Online Quizzes & Tests – Use JLPT Sensei & Nihongo Shark for practice.

Pro Tip: Take one full-length mock test per week to track progress & adjust study strategies. NAT Exam October 2025 Online Registration

NAT-TEST Pass Score & Exam Strategies

To earn your NAT-TEST Certificate, you must meet the pass score requirements:

NAT Level	Minimum Section Score	Overall Pass Score
NAT N5	25% per section	60%+ overall
NAT N4	30% per section	60%+ overall

Tips to Improve Your Score

✔ Time Management – Allocate time per section based on difficulty.
✔ Prioritize Kanji-Heavy Sections – Strong vocabulary boosts reading speed.
✔ Daily Kanji Practice – Consistency is key to mastering Kanji.

Ready to apply? Follow our NAT Test Registration Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to register online.

Final Thoughts

Kanji doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a structured study plan, smart techniques, and regular practice, you can:
✔ Build strong Kanji recognition skills
✔ Improve reading & vocabulary comprehension
✔ Score higher on the NAT-TEST

Pro Tip: Make Kanji practice a daily habit – even 10-15 minutes a day will lead to significant improvement over time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many Kanji should I learn for NAT N5 in 2025?

A: For the NAT N5 exam, you should master around 100 Kanji characters, covering the most basic and frequently used symbols in Japanese. These include characters for numbers, time, days of the week, and common verbs or nouns like 人 (person), 学 (study), 食 (eat), 水 (water), and 月 (moon/month).
Focus on Kanji that frequently appear in daily life conversations or short texts. The NAT-TEST emphasizes reading recognition more than writing perfection, so prioritize visual memory and comprehension. Writing each Kanji 10–15 times while saying it aloud improves muscle memory.
You can also use Kanji flashcards, SRS apps (Anki, Wanikani), or the Kanji Study App to reinforce daily learning. Aim for slow, consistent progress rather than memorizing everything at once.

Q2. What is the best method to memorize Kanji for the NAT-TEST?

A: Memorizing Kanji can feel challenging, but using the right techniques can make it fun and effective. The best methods include:

Mnemonic stories – Create short, memorable stories linking Kanji shapes to meanings (e.g., 木 looks like a tree, meaning “tree”).
SRS (Spaced Repetition Systems) – Apps like Anki repeat Kanji at spaced intervals, improving long-term memory.
Writing drills – Practice Kanji on graph paper daily to learn correct stroke order.
Visual learning – Use apps that show animated stroke order.
Context reading – Read short Japanese dialogues or manga using your learned Kanji.
When studying for the NAT-TEST, focus not just on memorizing symbols but on understanding how Kanji combine into vocabulary, such as 学校 (school), 日本 (Japan), or 電話 (telephone).

Q3. Is the NAT-TEST harder than the JLPT?

A: The difficulty level of NAT-TEST and JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is almost equivalent. Both assess the same core skills — vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening comprehension.
However, there are two major differences:

Frequency – JLPT is held only twice a year (July and December), while NAT-TEST is conducted six times (February, April, June, August, October, December). This makes NAT more flexible.
Exam focus – NAT sometimes emphasizes slightly more practical vocabulary and shorter reading sections.
If you are a beginner or someone who wants to test your progress multiple times a year, the NAT-TEST is a great option. It’s also widely accepted for school admissions and job applications in Japan.

Q4. Where can I find NAT N5 mock tests and previous papers?

A: You can find NAT-TEST N5 mock tests from several sources:

The official NAT-TEST website publishes sample papers for all levels.
Japanese language schools like Team Language Services (TLS) offer free and paid mock test sessions.
Online resources such as JLPT Sensei, Nihongo-Pro, and JapaneseTest4You.
Practice books like TRY! N5 and Shin Kanzen Master N5.
Try solving one full mock test every week for 2 months before your exam. This will help you develop time management and familiarity with the question style.

Q5. What is the exam pattern of NAT N5 (2025)?

A: The NAT-TEST N5 has a structure similar to JLPT N5. It consists of three main sections:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary + Grammar)
Reading Comprehension
Listening Comprehension
The test duration is approximately 120 minutes, and all questions are multiple-choice.
You must achieve both the overall passing score (around 60%) and pass each individual section to qualify. Even if your total score is high, failing a single section may result in an overall fail.

Q6. How many levels are there in the NAT Japanese Test?

A: The NAT-TEST is divided into five levels:

Level 5 (N5 equivalent) – Beginner
Level 4 (N4 equivalent) – Elementary
Level 3 (N3 equivalent) – Intermediate
Level 2 (N2 equivalent) – Upper Intermediate
Level 1 (N1 equivalent) – Advanced
Students typically start from Level 5 and gradually progress as they gain proficiency. Completing higher levels like NAT 3 or NAT 2 is beneficial for studying or working in Japan.

Q7. When is the NAT Japanese Test in September 2025?

A: The NAT Japanese Test September 2025 session is expected to be conducted in the first or second week of September (tentatively between September 7–14, 2025).
Exact dates vary based on the test center. Registration usually opens 8 weeks before the test and closes around 4 weeks prior. Students are advised to book early as seats are limited, especially in major cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.

Q8. How can I apply for the NAT exam in India?

A: Applying for the NAT-TEST is simple:

Visit your authorized NAT-TEST center or its official website.
Choose your exam level (N5–N1).
Fill in the registration form with your details.
Upload a recent photo and ID proof.
Pay the exam fee online or offline.
After submission, you’ll receive an admit card with exam details, reporting time, and center address.

Team Language Services (TLS) also assists students with exam registration and preparation for all NAT levels.

Q9. What is the NAT exam fee in India (2025)?

A: The exam fee ranges between ₹2000 and ₹2500, depending on your test level and city.
Higher levels like NAT 2 and NAT 1 may have slightly higher fees. Always confirm the exact amount with your local test center, as charges may differ by region.

Q10. How long is the NAT certificate valid?

A: The NAT-TEST certificate has no official expiry date, but most Japanese institutions prefer scores that are not older than 2 years.
This ensures that your Japanese skills are up-to-date when applying for school or job opportunities.

Q11. What is the purpose of the NAT certificate?

A: The NAT certificate acts as official proof of your Japanese language ability. It is accepted by:

Japanese universities and vocational schools for admission.
Employers in Japan looking for bilingual professionals.
MEXT Scholarship programs and Japanese internship opportunities.
For Indian learners, it adds credibility to your profile when applying for Japanese companies or study visas.

Q12. Can beginners take the NAT exam?

A: Yes! NAT Level 5 is designed specifically for beginners. If you’ve been learning Japanese for 3–6 months and can read basic hiragana, katakana, and simple grammar patterns, you’re ready.
Even complete beginners can join a three-month preparation course at institutes like Team Language Services to achieve N5-level proficiency.

Q13. What topics are covered in the NAT N5 syllabus?

A: The N5 syllabus includes:

Grammar – Basic sentence structures, verb conjugations, particles, adjectives.
Vocabulary – Around 800 words.
Kanji – Around 100 basic characters.
Listening – Daily life conversations.
Reading – Short paragraphs about familiar situations.
This syllabus gives you a solid foundation for daily communication in Japanese.

Q14. What is the minimum passing score for NAT N5?

A: The NAT-TEST is scored out of 180 points. You must achieve:

Overall pass score: Around 60%
Minimum section score: Usually 25–30% per section
Failing one section means an overall fail, even if your total score is high.

Q15. What books are best for NAT-TEST preparation?

A: The most recommended study materials include:

Minna no Nihongo I
TRY! Japanese Language Textbook N5
New Kanzen Master N5
JLPT Tango Vocabulary N5 Book
For extra listening practice, use NHK Easy Japanese or YouTube channels like JapanesePod101.
Institutes like TLS also provide their own study notes and mock papers, customized for NAT preparation.

Q16. Can I take the NAT exam online?

A: No, the NAT-TEST is conducted offline at authorized centers. However, registration and result checking can be done online through the official website.

Q17. Is there any age limit for the NAT exam?

A: There’s no age limit. Students, working professionals, and adults of any age can appear for the test. The only requirement is enthusiasm and commitment to learning Japanese.

Q18. Can I retake the NAT exam if I fail?

A: Yes. You can retake the NAT exam as many times as you like. Since it’s held six times a year, you can appear in the next available session (for example, December 2025).
Each attempt helps you gain more familiarity and confidence.

Q19. How are NAT results announced?

A: Results are generally released 3–4 weeks after the exam. You can collect your certificate and scorecard from the same center where you registered.
Some centers also email digital copies of your results. Your certificate includes your total score, section scores, and pass/fail status.

Q20. Can the NAT certificate help me get a job in Japan?

A: Absolutely! Many companies in Japan, especially in engineering, IT, hospitality, and language services, accept NAT certification as proof of proficiency.
It demonstrates that you can communicate effectively in Japanese and adapt to Japanese work culture.

Q21. What’s the difference between NAT and JLPT certificates?

A: Both certificates are respected worldwide, but they differ slightly:

JLPT is organized by the Japan Foundation (global standard).
NAT-TEST is organized by Senmon Kyouiku Publishing Co., Japan.
The JLPT is more academic, while NAT offers frequent exams and is popular among students needing quick certification for visa or school applications.
Both are equally valid for educational or employment purposes.

Q22. How can I improve my listening for NAT N5?

A: Listening is a crucial skill. Improve it by:

Listening to Japanese podcasts, anime, or NHK Easy News daily.
Using shadowing techniques — repeat phrases as you hear them.
Watching Japanese dramas with subtitles, then rewatching without them.
Practice listening for tone, rhythm, and emotion to understand natural speech patterns.

Q23. How can I improve my reading speed for NAT N5?

A: Reading quickly requires vocabulary familiarity. Start with short stories, daily dialogues, and simple manga.
Practice reading aloud for 15 minutes daily and gradually move to longer texts.
Apps like Satori Reader and Todai Easy Japanese News are great for real-world reading practice.

Q24. What is the difference between NAT N5 and N4?

A: The jump from NAT N5 to N4 is significant.
N4 introduces:

About 300–350 Kanji.
More advanced grammar patterns.
Longer reading comprehension passages.
Complex listening conversations.
N5 focuses on survival Japanese, while N4 covers communication in schools or workplaces.

Q25. Where can I study for the NAT Japanese Test in India?

A: You can study for the NAT exam at reputed Japanese language institutes like Team Language Services (TLS).
TLS offers:

NAT and JLPT-focused classes (N5–N1).
Live mock tests and result analysis.
Small batch sizes for personalized learning.
Online and offline study options.
Contact TLS:
Address: 2/81-82, Street No – 2, near Metro Station Laxmi Nagar, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
Phone: +91 8700956038
Website: www.teamlanguageservices.com