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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| log | /lɔɡ/ | n. | a written record of events | Keep a log of your daily exercise. | |
| logo | /ˈloʊɡoʊ/ | n. | a symbol for a company or group | The logo is printed on the box. | |
| london | /ˈlʌndən/ | n. | the capital city of the UK | My sister lives in London now. | |
| looking | /ˈlʊkɪŋ/ | v. | using your eyes to see | She is looking at the map. | |
| los | /loʊs/ | prop. n. | part of some Spanish place names | Los Angeles is a large city. | |
| lost | /lɔst/ | adj. | not knowing where to go | We felt lost in the big city. | |
| ltd | /ˌɛl tiˈdi/ | abbreviation | short for limited in company names | The box says Green Farm Ltd. | |
| lyrics | /ˈlɪrɪks/ | n. | the words of a song | I read the lyrics while listening to the song. | |
| m | /ɛm/ | n. | the thirteenth letter of the alphabet | M is in the word "milk". | |
| made | /meɪd/ | v. | past form of "make" | My mother made a cake. | |
| makes | /meɪks/ | v. | creates or causes something | My mother makes great soup. | |
| making | /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ | n. | the act of creating something | She is making a cake for us. | |
| maps | /mæps/ | n. | drawings that show places and roads | We used maps to find the park. | |
| mar | /mɑr/ | n. | March; the third month of the year. | Flowers begin to grow in Mar. | |
| March | /mɑrtʃ/ | n. | The third month of the year | Spring starts in March. | |
| Market | /ˈmɑrkɪt/ | n. | A place to buy things | I go to the market. | |
| materials | /məˈtɪriəlz/ | n. | things used to make or do something | We need more materials for the art project. | |
| mature | /məˈtʃʊr/ | adj. | fully grown or adult | The dog is now mature and calm. | |
| May | /meɪ/ | n. | The fifth month of the year | The flowers bloom in May. | |
| Maybe | /ˈmeɪbi/ | adv. | Possibly | Maybe I will go. | |
| Mean | /min/ | adj. | Not kind | Don't be mean. | |
| means | /minz/ | v. | has a meaning; shows an idea. | Red means stop. | |
| Mechanic | /məˈkænɪk/ | n. | A person who fixes cars | He is a mechanic. | |
| Melon | /ˈmɛlən/ | n. | A large sweet fruit | The melon is juicy. | |
| members | /ˈmɛmbɚz/ | n. | people in a group | All club members meet on Friday. |
