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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advice | /ædˈvaɪs/ | n. | Suggestions about what to do | Can you give me some advice? | |
| Affect | /əˈfɛkt/ | v. | To cause a change in something | The weather affects my mood. | |
| Afraid | /əˈfreɪd/ | adj. | Feeling fear | I am afraid of dogs. | |
| africa | /ˈæfrɪkə/ | prop. n. | a large continent south of Europe | Africa has many countries and languages. | |
| After | /ˈæftər/ | prep. | Later than | I will see you after school. | |
| Again | /əˈgɛn/ | adv. | Once more | Try again. | |
| Against | /əˈgɛnst/ | prep. | Opposing or disagreeing with | I am against this idea. | |
| Age | /eɪdʒ/ | n. | How old someone is | What is your age? | |
| Agency | /ˈeɪdʒənsi/ | n. | A business that provides a service | I went to a travel agency. | |
| Agent | /ˈeɪdʒənt/ | n. | A person who acts for another | He is a secret agent. | |
| Ago | /əˈgoʊ/ | adv. | In the past | I saw him two days ago. | |
| Agree | /əˈgri/ | v. | To have the same opinion | I agree with you. | |
| Ahead | /əˈhɛd/ | adv. | In front | Go ahead of me. | |
| Aim | /eɪm/ | n. | A goal or purpose | My aim is to win. | |
| Air | /ɛr/ | n. | What we breathe | The air is fresh. | |
| airplane | /ˈerˌpleɪn/ | n. | a vehicle that flies in the sky | The airplane is ready to leave. | |
| Airport | /ˈɛrpɔrt/ | n. | A place for planes | We are at the airport. | |
| al | /æl/ | n. | a man's name | Al is my uncle from Texas. | |
| Alarm | /əˈlɑrm/ | n. | A sound that wakes you up | My alarm rang at 6 AM. | |
| Album | /ˈælbəm/ | n. | A collection of songs or photos | I bought a new music album. | |
| Alcohol | /ˈælkəˌhɑl/ | n. | Drinks like beer and wine | I do not drink alcohol. | |
| Alive | /əˈlaɪv/ | adj. | Living, not dead | The plant is still alive. | |
| All | /ɔl/ | adj. | Every one of a group | All the students are here. | |
| Allow | /əˈlaʊ/ | v. | To let someone do something | My mom allows me to play. | |
| Almost | /ˈɔlˌmoʊst/ | adv. | Nearly | It is almost finished. |
