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.
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
1️⃣ 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!
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ Kanji Writing Practice – Muscle Memory Works!
✍ Physically writing Kanji improves recognition & recall.
📌 Practice stroke order to strengthen memory connections.
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ 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-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 – Master Kanji & Ace the NAT-TEST!
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?
You should focus on approximately 100 basic Kanji characters covering essential words, numbers, and simple phrases.
Q2. What is the best way to memorize Kanji for NAT-TEST?
Use mnemonics, SRS apps, writing drills, and daily reading practice to improve retention.
Q3. Is the NAT-TEST harder than the JLPT?
The difficulty level is similar, but NAT-TEST allows more frequent test dates, making it a flexible choice.
Q4. Where can I find NAT N5 mock tests?
Official NAT-TEST websites, Japanese learning platforms, and language schools offer free and paid practice tests.