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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| prices | /ˈpraɪsɪz/ | n. | amounts of money for things | Food prices are high this week. | |
| privacy | /ˈpraɪvəsi/ | n. | being free from others watching you | Online privacy is important to many people. | |
| pro | /proʊ/ | n. | a professional person, especially in sports. | She wants to become a tennis pro. | |
| Problem | /ˈprɑbləm/ | n. | Something that is difficult | I have a problem with my car. | |
| problems | /ˈprɑbləmz/ | n. | things that are difficult or wrong | We talked about our problems together. | |
| products | /ˈprɑːdəkts/ | n. | things made to be sold | The store sells many products. | |
| programs | /ˈproʊɡræmz/ | n. | sets of instructions for a computer | He uses different programs for his work. | |
| projects | /ˈprɑdʒɛkts/ | n. | planned pieces of work. | Our science projects are due Friday. | |
| properties | /ˈprɑːpɚtiz/ | n. | buildings or land that someone owns | They own several properties in town. | |
| provides | /prəˈvaɪdz/ | v. | gives something needed | The school provides free lunch for children. | |
| publications | /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃənz/ | n. | books, magazines, or papers that are printed | The library has many science publications. | |
| published | /ˈpʌblɪʃt/ | v. | made available for people to read | The newspaper published the story yesterday. | |
| q | /kju/ | n. | the letter Q | Q comes after P in the alphabet. | |
| Quarter | /ˈkwɔrtər/ | n. | 15 minutes | It is a quarter to five. | |
| Question | /ˈkwɛstʃən/ | n. | A sentence that asks for information | I have a question. | |
| questions | /ˈkwɛstʃənz/ | n. | sentences asking for information | The students asked many questions in class. | |
| Quick | /kwɪk/ | adj. | Fast | Be quick, we are late. | |
| Quite | /kwaɪt/ | adv. | A little or very | The book is quite good. | |
| r | /ɑːr/ | n. | the eighteenth letter of the alphabet | R is in the word "red". | |
| Raincoat | /ˈreɪnˌkoʊt/ | n. | A coat for rain | I wear a raincoat. | |
| rates | /reɪts/ | n. | amounts or prices measured in a set way | Hotel rates are higher in summer. | |
| rating | /ˈreɪtɪŋ/ | n. | score showing quality or age level | This movie has a good rating. | |
| ratings | /ˈreɪtɪŋz/ | n. | scores that show quality or popularity | The movie got high ratings online. | |
| re | /riː/ | prefix | again | Please reread the short message. | |
| Ready | /ˈrɛdi/ | adj. | Prepared for something | Are you ready? |
