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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | /ˈævərɪdʒ/ | adj. | Typical or normal | He is of average height. | |
| Avoid | /əˈvɔɪd/ | v. | To stay away from | Avoid eating too much sugar. | |
| Award | /əˈwɔrd/ | n. | A prize for doing something well | She won an award for her book. | |
| Aware | /əˈwɛr/ | adj. | Knowing about something | I am aware of the problem. | |
| b | /biː/ | n. | the second letter of the alphabet | B is in the word "book". | |
| Baby | /ˈbeɪbi/ | n. | A very young child | The baby is sleeping. | |
| Badminton | /ˈbædˌmɪntən/ | n. | A game with a racket and a shuttlecock | I play badminton. | |
| Bakery | /ˈbeɪkəri/ | n. | A place that sells bread | I go to the bakery. | |
| Band | /bænd/ | n. | A group of musicians | The band plays good music. | |
| Bank | /bæŋk/ | n. | A place for money | The bank is closed today. | |
| bar | /bɑr/ | n. | a place where drinks are served | They met at the hotel bar. | |
| based | /beɪst/ | adj. | located in a place | Our teacher is based in Chicago. | |
| basis | /ˈbeɪsɪs/ | n. | the main idea or reason for something | Trust is the basis of friendship. | |
| bay | /beɪ/ | n. | part of the sea near land | We walked along the bay at sunset. | |
| become | /bɪˈkʌm/ | v. | to start to be something | She wants to become a doctor. | |
| Bedroom | /ˈbɛdrum/ | n. | A room for sleeping | My bedroom is blue. | |
| Bee | /bi/ | n. | A small flying insect | The bee makes honey. | |
| been | /bɪn/ | v. | past participle of "be" | I have been to London once. | |
| Beer | /bɪr/ | n. | An alcoholic drink | He drinks cold beer. | |
| Before | /bɪˈfɔr/ | prep. | Earlier than | Wash your hands before dinner. | |
| Begin | /bɪˈgɪn/ | v. | To start | The movie begins at eight. | |
| being | /ˈbiːɪŋ/ | n. | a living thing | A human being needs food and water. | |
| Believe | /bɪˈliv/ | v. | To think something is true | I believe you. | |
| Below | /bɪˈloʊ/ | prep. | In a lower position | The temperature is below zero. | |
| Belt | /bɛlt/ | n. | Worn around the waist | I wear a belt. |
