The electronic structure and the charge balance mechanism of the Li7-xMnN4 system were investigated by core-level electron energy loss spectroscopy. The spectra are strongly affected by configuration interactions and reveal the existence of a considerable amount of nitrogen 2p holes in the ground state. Based on the results, we conclude that the Li7MnN4 system can be classified into the charge transfer-type compounds. The systematic variation of the operating voltages versus Li/Li+ of the Li7MnN4 system and the other transition metal nitrides and oxides can be qualitatively explained by classification into the Mott-Hubbard and the charge transfer regimes.