Stepping up from the absolute basics? This A1 vocabulary list is packed with around 900 words that you’ll actually use — in shops, at work, with friends. No fluff, no obscure dictionary words nobody says. Each entry shows you the word, how to say it in US IPA, a straightforward meaning, and a real example sentence you might hear in everyday life. There’s even a play button so you can hear the word out loud.
At A1, you’re a beginner who can handle simple conversations — asking for a coffee, introducing yourself, talking about your family. That’s exactly the kind of vocabulary we’ve gathered here. It’s not just a random dump; these words are chosen to match what you need at this stage.
Use the table to listen and repeat until the words feel natural. When you’re away from your screen, grab the PDF download — the button’s right there below the table. Take it to the park, scroll through it on the bus, or scribble notes in the margins.
Of course, words are only half the battle. Our free English lessons teach you to put those words into real phrases you can actually say. Browse the lesson library or dive straight into Lesson 1: First Greetings — it’s where most people start.
- English Vocabulary hub
- Learn English guide
- Pre-A1 English Vocabulary List
- A2 English Vocabulary List
- B1 English Vocabulary List
- CEFR levels overview (Council of Europe)
- British Council — English learning resources
A1 Vocabulary Quiz
Think you’ve nailed these A1 words? Hit the quiz below and see how many you really know — it’s a quick, no-pressure check.
Essential A1 English Vocabulary
| Grammar Word | IPA | Type | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| able | /ˈeɪbəl/ | adj. | having the power to do something | He is able to swim very well. | |
| above | /əˈbʌv/ | prep. | in a higher place than | The clock is above the door. | |
| Accept | /ækˈsɛpt/ | v. | To take something offered | I accept your gift. | |
| accessories | /əkˈsɛsəriz/ | n. | small extra things used with clothes or devices | She bought accessories to match her dress. | |
| Accident | /ˈæksədənt/ | n. | A bad event that is not planned | He had a car accident. | |
| according | /əˈkɔrdɪŋ/ | prep. | as stated by someone or something | According to Mom, dinner is ready. | |
| Account | /əˈkaʊnt/ | n. | A record of money at a bank | I opened a bank account. | |
| Achieve | /əˈtʃiv/ | v. | To succeed in doing something | You can achieve your goals. | |
| across | /əˈkrɔs/ | prep. | from one side to the other | She walked across the street carefully. | |
| act | /ækt/ | v. | to do something or behave in a way | Please act politely in class. | |
| action | /ˈækʃən/ | n. | something done to achieve a result | The teacher took action to stop the noise. | |
| Active | /ˈæktɪv/ | adj. | Moving around a lot | He is an active child. | |
| activities | /ækˈtɪvətiz/ | n. | things people do | The camp has fun activities for children. | |
| Activity | /ækˈtɪvəti/ | n. | Something you do for fun | Swimming is a fun activity. | |
| Actor | /ˈæktər/ | n. | A person who acts | He is a famous actor. | |
| Actual | /ˈæktʃuəl/ | adj. | Real or true | This is the actual size. | |
| Actually | /ˈæktʃuəli/ | adv. | In truth or fact | I actually like it. | |
| ad | /æd/ | n. | a short advertisement | I saw an ad for new shoes. | |
| added | /ˈædəd/ | v. | put in something extra | She added sugar to her tea. | |
| addition | /əˈdɪʃən/ | n. | the act of adding numbers | The children practiced addition in class. | |
| Adult | /əˈdʌlt/ | n. | A person who is fully grown | He is an adult now. | |
| advanced | /ədˈvænst/ | adj. | at a higher level | She is in the advanced English class now. | |
| Advantage | /ædˈvæntɪdʒ/ | n. | A good feature | This has a big advantage. | |
| Adventure | /ædˈvɛntʃər/ | n. | An exciting experience | We went on an adventure. | |
| advertising | /ˈædvɚˌtaɪzɪŋ/ | n. | the activity of promoting products | Advertising helps people learn about new products. |
