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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən/ | n. | A formal request for a job | I sent my job application. | |
| applications | /ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ | n. | computer programs for phones or computers. | I use applications to learn English. | |
| Apply | /əˈplaɪ/ | v. | To make a formal request | I will apply for the job. | |
| Appointment | /əˈpɔɪntmənt/ | n. | A meeting at a specific time | I have a doctor's appointment. | |
| Approach | /əˈproʊtʃ/ | v. | To come near | The train is approaching. | |
| Approve | /əˈpruv/ | v. | To accept or agree to | My parents approved my plan. | |
| apr | /ˈeɪprəl/ | n. | April; the fourth month of the year. | Rain is common in Apr. | |
| April | /ˈeɪprəl/ | n. | The fourth month of the year | It rains in April. | |
| Architect | /ˈɑrkəˌtɛkt/ | n. | A person who designs buildings | The architect drew the house. | |
| Architecture | /ˈɑrkəˌtɛktʃər/ | n. | The design of buildings | I study architecture. | |
| archive | /ˈɑrkaɪv/ | n. | a place for old records | The photos are in an online archive. | |
| archives | /ˈɑrkaɪvz/ | n. | stored old records or documents | The library keeps newspapers in its archives. | |
| Area | /ˈɛriə/ | n. | A part of a place | The play area is here. | |
| areas | /ˈeriəz/ | n. | parts of a place | Some areas of the park are very quiet. | |
| Argue | /ˈɑrgju/ | v. | To speak angrily with someone | Don't argue with your sister. | |
| Argument | /ˈɑrgjəmənt/ | n. | An angry discussion | They had a loud argument. | |
| Army | /ˈɑrmi/ | n. | A military force | He joined the army. | |
| Around | /əˈraʊnd/ | prep. | On every side of | We sat around the table. | |
| Arrange | /əˈreɪndʒ/ | v. | To put things in order | I will arrange a meeting. | |
| Arrangement | /əˈreɪndʒmənt/ | n. | A plan or preparation | We made an arrangement. | |
| Arrive | /əˈraɪv/ | v. | To reach a place | The train will arrive soon. | |
| Art | /ɑrt/ | n. | Making beautiful things | I like modern art. | |
| Article | /ˈɑrtɪkəl/ | n. | A piece of writing in a newspaper | I read an interesting article. | |
| articles | /ˈɑrtɪkəlz/ | n. | pieces of writing in newspapers or websites | I read two short articles this morning. | |
| Artist | /ˈɑrtɪst/ | n. | A person who paints | She is a great artist. |
