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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| forums | /ˈfɔrəmz/ | n. | online places for discussion | People ask questions in internet forums. | |
| found | /faʊnd/ | v. | discovered something after looking | I found my keys under the chair. | |
| foundation | /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ | n. | the strong base under a building | The house has a strong foundation. | |
| Fox | /fɑks/ | n. | A clever red animal | The fox is fast. | |
| france | /fræns/ | n. | a country in Europe. | France is famous for Paris. | |
| french | /frɛntʃ/ | adj. | from France or its language | She is taking a French class. | |
| fri | /fraɪ/ | abbreviation | short form of Friday | The meeting is on Fri at noon. | |
| Fridge | /frɪdʒ/ | n. | Used for keeping food cold | The milk is in the fridge. | |
| friends | /frendz/ | n. | people you like and know well | I met my friends at the cafe. | |
| Front | /frʌnt/ | n. | The forward part | Go to the front. | |
| Full | /fʊl/ | adj. | Holding as much as possible | The glass is full. | |
| Future | /ˈfjutʃər/ | n. | The time after now | In the future... | |
| g | /dʒiː/ | letter | the seventh letter of English | G is the first letter in green. | |
| gallery | /ˈɡæləri/ | n. | a place where art is shown | We visited the art gallery on Saturday. | |
| games | /ɡeɪmz/ | n. | activities people play for fun | The children play games outside. | |
| Garage | /gəˈrɑʒ/ | n. | A place for cars | The car is in the garage. | |
| Garlic | /ˈgɑrlɪk/ | n. | A strong smelling vegetable | I love garlic. | |
| gay | /ɡeɪ/ | adj. | sexually attracted to people of the same sex | He said he is gay. | |
| george | /dʒɔrdʒ/ | prop. n. | a man's name | George is waiting outside the school. | |
| germany | /ˈdʒɝməni/ | prop. n. | a country in Europe | My friend is from Germany. | |
| getting | /ˈɡɛtɪŋ/ | v. | receiving or obtaining something. | She is getting a new bike today. | |
| gifts | /ɡɪfts/ | n. | things given to someone for free. | We bought gifts for our friends. | |
| girls | /ɡɝlz/ | n. | female children or young women | The girls are playing in the park. | |
| given | /ˈɡɪvən/ | adj. | already decided or stated | Use the given number to open the door. | |
| Glasses | /ˈglæsɪz/ | n. | Something to help you see | I wear glasses. |
