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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island | /ˈaɪlənd/ | n. | Land surrounded by water | I live on an island. | |
| islands | /ˈaɪləndz/ | n. | pieces of land surrounded by water | We saw small islands from the boat. | |
| issues | /ˈɪʃuz/ | n. | problems or important subjects | We talked about school issues today. | |
| italy | /ˈɪtəli/ | prop. n. | a country in southern Europe | They want to visit Italy next year. | |
| items | /ˈaɪtəmz/ | n. | separate things in a group | Please put the items in the bag. | |
| j | /dʒeɪ/ | letter | the tenth letter of English | J is the first letter in juice. | |
| james | /dʒeɪmz/ | prop. n. | a boy's name | James is my new classmate. | |
| jan | /dʒæn/ | n. | short form of January | School starts again in Jan. | |
| January | /ˈdʒænjuˌɛri/ | n. | The first month of the year | It is cold in January. | |
| japan | /dʒəˈpæn/ | prop. n. | a country in Asia | Japan is famous for sushi. | |
| jewelry | /ˈdʒuːəlri/ | n. | decorative things like rings and necklaces | She keeps her jewelry in a small box. | |
| Job | /dʒɑb/ | n. | Work that you do for money | She has a new job. | |
| jobs | /dʒɑbz/ | n. | paid work people do | Many students want summer jobs. | |
| john | /dʒɑn/ | prop. n. | a man's first name | John is my new classmate. | |
| jul | /dʒuˈlaɪ/ | abbreviation | short form of July | The meeting is on Jul 10. | |
| July | /ˈdʒuˈlaɪ/ | n. | The seventh month of the year | It is hot in July. | |
| Jumper | /ˈdʒʌmpər/ | n. | A warm piece of clothing | I wear a jumper. | |
| jun | /dʒun/ | abbreviation | short form of June | Her birthday is on Jun 3. | |
| June | /dʒun/ | n. | The sixth month of the year | School ends in June. | |
| Just | /dʒʌst/ | adv. | Only or a short time ago | I just arrived. | |
| k | /keɪ/ | letter | the eleventh letter of English | K is the first letter in kite. | |
| Kangaroo | /ˌkæŋgəˈru/ | n. | An animal that jumps | The kangaroo is jumping. | |
| kids | /kɪdz/ | n. | children. | The kids are playing outside. | |
| Kind | /kaɪnd/ | adj. | Friendly and generous | She is very kind. | |
| kingdom | /ˈkɪŋdəm/ | prop. n. | part of the name United Kingdom | She moved to the United Kingdom last year. |
