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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pan | /pæn/ | n. | Used for cooking food | The pan is hot. | |
| Panda | /ˈpændə/ | n. | A black and white bear | The panda is eating. | |
| Pants | /pænts/ | n. | Clothing for the legs | I need new pants. | |
| Parents | /ˈpɛrənts/ | n. | Mother and father | My parents live in London. | |
| Parrot | /ˈpærət/ | n. | A colorful talking bird | The parrot is loud. | |
| parts | /pɑrts/ | n. | pieces of something larger. | The bike has many small parts. | |
| Party | /ˈpɑrti/ | n. | A social event with food and music | I am going to a party. | |
| Past | /pæst/ | prep. | Later than a specific time | It is half past two. | |
| Pasta | /ˈpɑstə/ | n. | Italian food like noodles | I like pasta. | |
| paul | /pɔl/ | prop. n. | a boy's name | Paul is waiting outside the school. | |
| Pay | /peɪ/ | v. | To give money for something | I need to pay for the food. | |
| payment | /ˈpeɪmənt/ | n. | money given for something | The payment is due on Friday. | |
| paypal | /ˈpeɪˌpæl/ | prop. n. | an online service for sending money | I paid for the book with PayPal. | |
| /ˌpiː diː ˈef/ | n. | a common computer file format | Please send the form as a PDF. | ||
| Peach | /pitʃ/ | n. | A soft sweet fruit | The peach is sweet. | |
| Peanut | /ˈpinət/ | n. | A nut that grows in the ground | I eat a peanut. | |
| Penguin | /ˈpɛŋgwɪn/ | n. | A bird that cannot fly | The penguin is cute. | |
| Pepper | /ˈpɛpər/ | n. | A vegetable or spice | I like red pepper. | |
| Perhaps | /pərˈhæps/ | adv. | Possibly | Perhaps it will rain. | |
| Pharmacy | /ˈfɑrməsi/ | n. | A place to buy medicine | I go to the pharmacy. | |
| phones | /foʊnz/ | n. | devices used to call people | Many students have phones now. | |
| photos | /ˈfoʊtoʊz/ | n. | pictures taken with a camera | She showed me photos from her trip. | |
| Piano | /piˈænoʊ/ | n. | A large musical instrument | I play the piano. | |
| pics | /pɪks/ | n. | pictures or photos | He showed me pics from his trip. | |
| pictures | /ˈpɪktʃɚz/ | n. | images made by drawing or camera | We took pictures at the park. |
