A2 English Vocabulary List: Free PDF + Quiz

Ready to move from simple phrases to real conversations? This CEFR-aligned A2 list gives you around 1600 practical words you’ll actually hear and use — on the street, while traveling, or at a café. No fluffy lists, just vocabulary that helps you connect.

Each entry comes with a clear meaning, an everyday example sentence, and easy-to-read US IPA so you can say it right. Tap the play button next to any word to hear it spoken aloud — that way you’re not just reading, you’re training your ears too.

A2 is the level where things start to click: you can describe your weekend, make plans, and handle simple transactions. This list covers the words that make those moments flow. When you’re ready to study offline, look for the PDF download button just below the table — it packs everything into one neat file.

Words are great, but you need chunks you can blurt out without thinking. Our free chunk-based lessons teach real phrases with audio and speaking practice. If you’re just starting, Lesson 1 — First Greetings will have you chatting in minutes.

A2 Vocabulary Quiz

Think you know these A2 words? Give the list a quick scroll, then jump into the quiz below to see how many stick.

Everyday A2 English Vocabulary

Word	IPA	Type	Meaning	Example	Audio
Desert	/ˈdɛzərt/	n.	A large, dry area of land	The Sahara is a very hot desert.
Design	/dɪˈzaɪn/	n.	A drawing or plan of something	She studies fashion design.
Designer	/dɪˈzaɪnər/	n.	A person who plans how something will look	He works as a graphic designer.
dessert	/dɪˈzɜrt/	n.	Sweet food eaten at the end of a meal	I had chocolate cake for dessert.
Detail	/ˈdiːteɪl/	n.	A single piece of information	Please send me the details of the meeting.
Detective	/dɪˈtɛktɪv/	n.	A police officer who investigates crimes	The detective solved the mystery.
detergent	/dɪˈtɝdʒənt/	n.	soap for washing clothes or dishes	We need more detergent.
Develop	/dɪˈvɛlɒp/	v.	To grow or change into something bigger	The village has developed into a town.
device	/dɪˈvaɪs/	n.	a machine or tool for a special use	This device helps me track my steps.
devices	/dɪˈvaɪsɪz/	n.	machines or tools that do a job	These devices help people stay connected.
dew	/du/	n.	small drops of water on grass or leaves	Dew was on the grass this morning.
Diary	/ˈdaɪəri/	n.	A book in which you record your thoughts or events	I write in my diary every night.
Difference	/ˈdɪfərəns/	n.	The way in which two things are not the same	Can you tell the difference between these two colors?
Digital	/ˈdɪʤɪtəl/	adj.	Using computer technology	I prefer using a digital camera.
digital camera	/ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈkæmərə/	n.	a camera that saves photos as files	She took a photo with her digital camera.
Dinosaur	/ˈdaɪnəsɔr/	n.	A large reptile that lived a long time ago	My son loves reading about dinosaurs.
Diploma	/dɪˈploʊmə/	n.	A document showing you have completed a course	She received her high school diploma.
Direct	/dəˈrɛkt/	adj.	Going straight to a place	Is there a direct train to London?
Directions	/dəˈrɛkʃənz/	n.	Instructions on how to get to a place	Can you give me directions to the station?
Director	/dəˈrɛktər/	n.	A manager of an organization or a person who makes films	Steven Spielberg is a famous film director.
Disagree	/ˌdɪsəˈɡri/	v.	To have a different opinion	I strongly disagree with his idea.
Disappear	/ˌdɪsəˈpɪr/	v.	To become impossible to see	The sun disappeared behind a cloud.
Disappoint	/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/	v.	To make someone feel sad because something was not as good as expected	I don't want to disappoint my parents.
Disaster	/dɪˈzæstər/	n.	A sudden event that causes a lot of damage	The earthquake was a terrible disaster.
disco	/ˈdɪskoʊ/	n.	a place where people dance to pop music	They went to a disco on Saturday night.