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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alone | /əˈloʊn/ | adv. | Without others | I am alone. | |
| Along | /əˈlɔŋ/ | prep. | Moving in a constant direction on | We walked along the river. | |
| Already | /ɔlˈrɛdi/ | adv. | Before now | I have already eaten. | |
| Also | /ˈɔlsoʊ/ | adv. | In addition | I also like tea. | |
| Although | /ɔlˈðoʊ/ | conj. | Even though | Although it rained, we played. | |
| Always | /ˈɔlweɪz/ | adv. | At all times | She always arrives on time. | |
| am | /æm/ | v. | present form of "be" with "I" | I am very tired today. | |
| Amazing | /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/ | adj. | Very surprising and good | The movie was amazing. | |
| america | /əˈmɛrɪkə/ | prop. n. | a country name often meaning the United States | She wants to travel across America. | |
| american | /əˈmɛrɪkən/ | adj. | from the United States | She likes American music. | |
| among | /əˈmʌŋ/ | prep. | in the middle of a group | He sat among his friends. | |
| Amount | /əˈmaʊnt/ | n. | A quantity of something | A large amount of money. | |
| Another | /əˈnʌðər/ | det. | One more | Can I have another apple? | |
| Answer | /ˈænsər/ | Noun/Verb | A reply to a question | Please answer the phone. | |
| Ant | /ænt/ | n. | A very small insect | The ant is small. | |
| anti | /ˈænti/ | prefix | against something | The label says anti-smoking area. | |
| Anyone | /ˈɛniˌwʌn/ | pron. | Any person | Is anyone home? | |
| Anything | /ˈɛniˌθɪŋ/ | pron. | Any object or event | Do you need anything? | |
| Anyway | /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ | adv. | In any case | Anyway, let's go. | |
| Anywhere | /ˈɛniˌwɛr/ | adv. | In any place | I can't find it anywhere. | |
| Apart | /əˈpɑrt/ | adv. | Separated by distance | They live far apart. | |
| Apologize | /əˈpɑləˌdʒaɪz/ | v. | To say sorry | I apologize for my mistake. | |
| App | /æp/ | n. | A computer program for a phone | I downloaded a new app. | |
| Appear | /əˈpɪr/ | v. | To start to be seen | A bird appeared in the sky. | |
| Appearance | /əˈpɪrəns/ | n. | The way someone looks | She cares about her appearance. |
