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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| com | /kɑm/ | n. | a common website ending | Their website ends with dot com. | |
| comes | /kʌmz/ | v. | moves to this place | She comes to school by bus. | |
| coming | /ˈkʌmɪŋ/ | v. | moving toward this place | My friend is coming to dinner tonight. | |
| comments | /ˈkɑːmɛnts/ | n. | things people say or write about something | The teacher read our comments. | |
| communications | /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃənz/ | n. | messages and ways of sharing information | Good communications help the team work well. | |
| companies | /ˈkʌmpəniz/ | n. | business organizations | Many companies sell clothes online. | |
| computers | /kəmˈpjuːtɚz/ | n. | electronic machines for work and play | The students use computers in class. | |
| conditions | /kənˈdɪʃənz/ | n. | the state of something or rules of a situation | Road conditions are bad after the snow. | |
| contents | /ˈkɑntents/ | n. | the things inside something | The bag's contents fell onto the floor. | |
| Conversation | /ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən/ | n. | A talk between people | We had a long conversation. | |
| Cook | /kʊk/ | Verb/Noun | To make food / A person who makes food | I like to cook dinner. | |
| Cookie | /ˈkʊki/ | n. | A small sweet cake | I want a chocolate cookie. | |
| copyright | /ˈkɑːpiˌraɪt/ | n. | legal right to control a work | The book is protected by copyright. | |
| Correct | /kəˈrɛkt/ | adj. | Right or true | Your answer is correct. | |
| Cost | /kɔst/ | v. | To have a price | How much does it cost? | |
| costs | /kɔsts/ | v. | has a price. | This book costs ten dollars. | |
| could | /kʊd/ | v. | past of "can"; able to | I could swim when I was five. | |
| countries | /ˈkʌntriz/ | n. | nations with their own governments | Many countries have different flags. | |
| Course | /kɔrs/ | n. | A series of lessons | I am taking an English course. | |
| courses | /ˈkɔrsɪz/ | n. | series of lessons on a subject | She takes English courses online. | |
| cover | /ˈkʌvər/ | v. | to put something over something else. | Please cover the food with a plate. | |
| create | /kriˈeɪt/ | v. | to make something new | The children create art with paper and glue. | |
| created | /kriˈeɪtɪd/ | v. | made something new | The students created a class website. | |
| Cucumber | /ˈkjukəmbər/ | n. | A long green vegetable | I eat cucumber. | |
| customers | /ˈkʌstəmɚz/ | n. | people who buy things | The shop helps its customers quickly. |
