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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| arts | /ɑrts/ | n. | subjects like painting, music, and drama. | She likes arts at school. | |
| As | /æz/ | conj. | Used to compare things | She is as tall as me. | |
| asian | /ˈeɪʒən/ | adj. | from Asia | We ate at an Asian restaurant. | |
| asked | /æskt/ | v. | said you want an answer | He asked me a simple question. | |
| Asleep | /əˈslip/ | adj. | Sleeping | The baby is asleep. | |
| Assistant | /əˈsɪstənt/ | n. | A person who helps someone | She is a shop assistant. | |
| associated | /əˈsoʊsieɪtɪd/ | adj. | connected with something else | This color is associated with spring. | |
| association | /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/ | n. | a group of people with a purpose | She joined the local sports association. | |
| Assume | /əˈsum/ | v. | To accept something as true | I assume you are right. | |
| Attack | /əˈtæk/ | v. | To use violence against someone | The dog attacked the cat. | |
| Attempt | /əˈtɛmpt/ | v. | To try to do something | I will attempt the test. | |
| Attend | /əˈtɛnd/ | v. | To go to an event | I will attend the meeting. | |
| Attention | /əˈtɛnʃən/ | n. | Notice or thought | Pay attention to the teacher. | |
| Attitude | /ˈætəˌtud/ | n. | A way of thinking or feeling | He has a positive attitude. | |
| Attract | /əˈtrækt/ | v. | To pull towards | Magnets attract metal. | |
| Attractive | /əˈtræktɪv/ | adj. | Pleasing to look at | She is an attractive woman. | |
| Audience | /ˈɑdiəns/ | n. | People watching a show | The audience clapped. | |
| aug | /ɔɡ/ | n. | August; the eighth month of the year. | We go on vacation in Aug. | |
| August | /ˈɔgəst/ | n. | The eighth month of the year | We go on holiday in August. | |
| australia | /ɔˈstreɪljə/ | n. | a country and continent | They traveled to Australia in July. | |
| Author | /ˈɔθər/ | n. | A person who writes books | She is a famous author. | |
| auto | /ˈɔtoʊ/ | n. | a car; an automobile. | He works in an auto shop. | |
| Autumn | /ˈɔtəm/ | n. | The season before winter | Leaves fall in autumn. | |
| availability | /əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/ | n. | being ready to use or get | Please check the room availability online. | |
| Available | /əˈveɪləbəl/ | adj. | Able to be used or obtained | Is this seat available? |
