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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soda | /ˈsoʊdə/ | n. | A sweet fizzy drink | I drink soda. | |
| solutions | /səˈluʃənz/ | n. | answers to problems. | We found two solutions to the math problem. | |
| Sometimes | /səmˈtaɪmz/ | adv. | At some times | I sometimes walk to school. | |
| Son | /sʌn/ | n. | A male child | They have one son. | |
| sony | /ˈsoʊni/ | prop. n. | a company that makes electronics | He bought a Sony camera. | |
| Soon | /sun/ | adv. | In a short time | See you soon. | |
| Sorry | /ˈsɑri/ | adj. | Used to apologize | I am sorry I am late. | |
| Sound | /saʊnd/ | n. | Something you hear | I like that sound. | |
| sources | /ˈsɔrsɪz/ | n. | places where information comes from | Books are good sources of information. | |
| South | /saʊθ/ | n. | A direction | Go south. | |
| Speak | /spik/ | v. | To say words | I speak English. | |
| sponsored | /ˈspɑnsərd/ | adj. | paid for by a person or company | It was a sponsored school event. | |
| sports | /spɔrts/ | n. | games and physical activities | He likes sports like soccer and tennis. | |
| st | /strit/ | n. | short form of Street in addresses. | They live on King St. | |
| Stadium | /ˈsteɪdiəm/ | n. | A place for sports | We are at the stadium. | |
| standard | /ˈstændərd/ | adj. | usual or normal | This room has a standard bed and desk. | |
| standards | /ˈstændɚdz/ | n. | levels of quality or rules | This product meets safety standards. | |
| Start | /stɑrt/ | n. | The beginning | Let's start now. | |
| started | /ˈstɑrtɪd/ | v. | began something | The movie started at seven o'clock. | |
| starting | /ˈstɑrtɪŋ/ | v. | beginning something | The movie is starting now. | |
| states | /steɪts/ | n. | large areas in a country | The United States has fifty states. | |
| Station | /ˈsteɪʃən/ | n. | A place where trains or buses stop | Where is the train station? | |
| statistics | /stəˈtɪstɪks/ | n. | number facts about something | The teacher showed statistics about the class. | |
| status | /ˈsteɪtəs/ | n. | the current condition or state | I checked the status of my order online. | |
| Still | /stɪl/ | adv. | Continuing now | I am still here. |
