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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rooms | /ruːmz/ | n. | parts of a building for different uses | Our house has five rooms. | |
| rss | /ˌɑr ɛs ˈɛs/ | n. | a web feed for updates | I used RSS to follow the news. | |
| Rugby | /ˈrʌgbi/ | n. | A team game with an oval ball | He likes rugby. | |
| rules | /rulz/ | n. | things you must or must not do. | Our class rules are on the wall. | |
| s | /ɛs/ | n. | the nineteenth letter of the alphabet | S is the first letter of "sun". | |
| Safe | /seɪf/ | adj. | Not in danger | Is it safe here? | |
| said | /sɛd/ | v. | past form of "say" | She said hello to me. | |
| Sailing | /ˈseɪlɪŋ/ | n. | Moving on water in a boat with sails | We go sailing. | |
| Salad | /ˈsæləd/ | n. | A mix of cold vegetables | I want a salad. | |
| sales | /seɪlz/ | n. | times when stores sell things cheaper | We bought shoes during the summer sales. | |
| Salt | /sɔlt/ | n. | White powder for seasoning | Pass the salt, please. | |
| Same | /seɪm/ | adj. | Not different | We have the same car. | |
| san | /sæn/ | prop. n. | part of some city names | My aunt moved to San Diego last year. | |
| Sandwich | /ˈsændwɪtʃ/ | n. | Bread with food inside | I have a cheese sandwich. | |
| sat | /sæt/ | v. | past of sit | He sat by the window all morning. | |
| says | /sɛz/ | v. | speaks or tells something. | My teacher says the test is easy. | |
| School | /skul/ | n. | A place for learning | I go to school by bus. | |
| schools | /skuːlz/ | n. | places where students learn | The city has many good schools. | |
| Secretary | /ˈsɛkrəˌtɛri/ | n. | A person who works in an office | She is a secretary. | |
| seen | /siːn/ | v. | looked at in the past | I have seen that movie before. | |
| Sell | /sɛl/ | v. | To give something for money | They sell fruit. | |
| seller | /ˈselɚ/ | n. | a person who sells something | The seller answered my questions kindly. | |
| sellers | /ˈsɛlərz/ | n. | people who sell things | The sellers opened their shops early. | |
| Send | /sɛnd/ | v. | To make something go to a place | I send an email. | |
| sent | /sɛnt/ | v. | past of send | I sent an email to my teacher. |
