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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| casino | /kəˈsiːnoʊ/ | n. | a place for gambling games | The casino stays open all night. | |
| Castle | /ˈkæsəl/ | n. | A large old building | I see a castle. | |
| categories | /ˈkætəˌɡɔriz/ | n. | groups of similar things | The books are in different categories on the shelf. | |
| Center | /ˈsɛntər/ | n. | The middle part | The center of the town. | |
| Change | /tʃeɪndʒ/ | v. | To make something different | I need to change my clothes. | |
| changes | /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/ | n. | things that become different | We made some changes to the plan. | |
| Cheap | /tʃip/ | adj. | Not expensive | This bag is cheap. | |
| Check | /tʃɛk/ | v. | To look at something to see if it is correct | Check your answers. | |
| Chef | /ʃɛf/ | n. | A professional cook | She is a chef. | |
| chicago | /ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ | prop. n. | a large city in the United States | My aunt lives in Chicago. | |
| china | /ˈtʃaɪnə/ | n. | a country in Asia | My friend moved to China last year. | |
| Choose | /tʃuz/ | v. | To pick something | Choose a color. | |
| christian | /ˈkrɪstʃən/ | n. | a person who follows Christianity | She is a Christian and goes to church. | |
| christmas | /ˈkrɪsməs/ | n. | a holiday in December | We visit our grandparents at Christmas. | |
| Cinema | /ˈsɪnəmə/ | n. | A place to watch movies | Let's go to the cinema. | |
| Clear | /klɪr/ | adj. | Easy to see or understand | The instructions are clear. | |
| Clever | /ˈklɛvər/ | adj. | Quick to learn and understand | She is a clever girl. | |
| Climbing | /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/ | n. | The sport of going up mountains | I like climbing. | |
| Closed | /kloʊzd/ | adj. | Not open | The shop is closed. | |
| Clothes | /kloʊðz/ | n. | Things you wear | I need new clothes. | |
| clothing | /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/ | n. | clothes people wear | Warm clothing is important in winter. | |
| Cloud | /klaʊd/ | n. | A white or gray shape in the sky | There are clouds in the sky. | |
| cnet | /ˌsiˈnɛt/ | prop. n. | a technology news website name | I read a phone review on CNET. | |
| co | /ˌsiːˈoʊ/ | n. | short form of company | He works for a small co downtown. | |
| Coffee | /ˈkɔfi/ | n. | A dark hot drink | I like black coffee. |
