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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| kit | /kɪt/ | n. | a set of things for one purpose | I bought a first-aid kit. | |
| known | /noʊn/ | adj. | famous or familiar to people | She is known for her kind smile. | |
| l | /ɛl/ | letter | the twelfth letter of English | L is the first letter in lion. | |
| la | /lɑ/ | prop. n. | short name for Los Angeles | My cousin lives in LA. | |
| Lake | /leɪk/ | n. | Water surrounded by land | We swim in the lake. | |
| Language | /ˈlæŋgwɪdʒ/ | n. | Words used by people | English is a language. | |
| larger | /ˈlɑːrdʒɚ/ | adj. | bigger than something else | We need a larger table for dinner. | |
| Least | /list/ | adv. | The smallest amount | At least try. | |
| Left | /lɛft/ | n. | The opposite of right | Turn left. | |
| lesbian | /ˈlɛzbiən/ | n. | a woman who loves women | She said she is a lesbian. | |
| Less | /lɛs/ | adv. | A smaller amount | Eat less sugar. | |
| Level | /ˈlɛvəl/ | n. | A position on a scale | I am at level A1. | |
| levels | /ˈlɛvəlz/ | n. | stages or amounts of something | This game has three levels. | |
| Library | /ˈlaɪbrɛri/ | n. | A place with many books | The library is quiet. | |
| Life | /laɪf/ | n. | The state of being alive | Life is good. | |
| limited | /ˈlɪmɪtɪd/ | adj. | not much; not many. | We have limited time today. | |
| lines | /laɪnz/ | n. | long narrow marks | Draw two straight lines on the paper. | |
| links | /lɪŋks/ | n. | clickable connections to other pages | The website has useful links. | |
| linux | /ˈlɪnəks/ | prop. n. | a computer operating system | My brother uses Linux on his laptop. | |
| List | /lɪst/ | n. | A series of items | Make a shopping list. | |
| listed | /ˈlɪstəd/ | v. | put on a list | He listed the names on the paper. | |
| listing | /ˈlɪstɪŋ/ | n. | an item in a list | I saw the apartment listing online. | |
| listings | /ˈlɪstɪŋz/ | n. | items in a list | I checked the job listings online. | |
| loans | /loʊnz/ | n. | money people borrow and repay | The bank gives loans to some students. | |
| located | /ˈloʊkeɪtɪd/ | adj. | in a particular place | The hotel is located near the station. |
