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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| needed | /ˈniːdɪd/ | v. | required something | We needed more time to finish. | |
| needs | /niːdz/ | v. | requires something important | The baby needs a warm blanket. | |
| networks | /ˈnɛtwɝːks/ | n. | connected systems or groups | Computers in schools use secure networks. | |
| Never | /ˈnɛvər/ | adv. | At no time | I never drink coffee. | |
| newsletter | /ˈnuzˌlɛtɚ/ | n. | a regular email or paper with news | Our school sends a monthly newsletter. | |
| Next | /nɛkst/ | adj. | Coming after this one | See you next week. | |
| Nice | /naɪs/ | adj. | Kind or pleasant | She is a nice person. | |
| Ninety | /ˈnaɪnti/ | num. | The number 90 | It costs ninety euros. | |
| No | /noʊ/ | adv. | Used to disagree | No, I don't like it. | |
| nokia | /ˈnoʊkiə/ | prop. n. | a company known for mobile phones | My first phone was a Nokia. | |
| non | /nɑn/ | prefix | not; the opposite of | This drink is non-alcoholic. | |
| North | /nɔrθ/ | n. | A direction | Go north. | |
| Not | /nɑt/ | adv. | Used to make a sentence negative | It is not cold today. | |
| notes | /noʊts/ | n. | short written records to remember things | I took notes during the class. | |
| nov | /noʊˈvembɚ/ | n. | short form of November | My birthday is in Nov. | |
| November | /noʊˈvɛmbər/ | n. | The eleventh month of the year | It is dark in November. | |
| Now | /naʊ/ | adv. | At the present time | I am busy now. | |
| numbers | /ˈnʌmbɚz/ | n. | symbols used for counting | The child is learning numbers at school. | |
| ny | /ˌen ˈwaɪ/ | prop. n. | short form of New York | My aunt lives in NY. | |
| o | /oʊ/ | letter | the fifteenth letter of English | O is the first letter in orange. | |
| Ocean | /ˈoʊʃən/ | n. | A very large sea | The ocean is blue. | |
| oct | /ɑkt/ | n. | short form of October | School starts again in Oct. | |
| October | /ɑkˈtoʊbər/ | n. | The tenth month of the year | Halloween is in October. | |
| Of | /ʌv/ | prep. | Belonging to or connected with | A cup of tea. | |
| Off | /ɔf/ | adv. | Away from a place | Turn off the light. |
