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
Examination	/ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/	n.	A formal written or spoken test	The final examination is next week.
Excellent	/ˈɛksələnt/	adj.	Extremely good	The food at that restaurant is excellent.
Except	/ɪkˈsɛpt/	prep.	Not including but not	Everyone went to the party except John.
Exchange	/ɪksˈʧeɪnʤ/	v.	To give something and receive something else	I'd like to exchange this shirt for a smaller size.
Exhibition	/ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃən/	n.	An event at which objects such as paintings are shown to the public	We went to an art exhibition.
Exit	/ˈɛgzɪt/	n.	A way out of a building or room	The emergency exit is at the back.
Expect	/ɪkˈspɛkt/	v.	To think or believe something will happen	I expect it will rain tomorrow.
Experience	/ɪkˈspɪriəns/	n.	Knowledge or skill gained from doing something	She has a lot of experience in teaching.
Experiment	/ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/	n.	A test done in order to learn something or to discover if something works or is true	We did a science experiment.
Expert	/ˈɛkspɜrt/	n.	A person with a high level of knowledge or skill relating to a particular subject or activity	He is a computer expert.
Explain	/ɪkˈspleɪn/	v.	To make something clear or easy to understand	Can you explain how this machine works?
Explanation	/ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/	n.	The details or reasons that someone gives to make something clear or easy to understand	I need an explanation for this.
Explore	/ɪkˈsplɔr/	v.	To search and discover about something	We want to explore the city.
Explorer	/ɪkˈsplɔrər/	n.	Someone who travels to unknown places	Christopher Columbus was a famous explorer.
extinct	/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/	adj.	no longer living anywhere in the world	Dinosaurs are extinct.
Extra	/ˈɛkstrə/	adj.	Added to what is normal	I need some extra time.
eyes	/aɪz/	n.	the parts of the body you use to see	His eyes were tired after reading.
Fail	/feɪl/	v.	To not succeed in what you are trying to achieve or are expected to do	I failed my driving test.
Fair	/fɛr/	adj.	Treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable	That is not fair.
fall over	/fɔl ˈoʊvər/	phr. v.	to fall onto the ground	Be careful or you will fall over.
FALSE	/fɔls/	adj.	Not real but made to look or seem real	The statement is false.
families	/ˈfæməliz/	n.	groups of parents and children	Many families visited the park.
fare	/fer/	n.	the money you pay for travel	The bus fare is two dollars.
Fashion	/ˈfæʃən/	n.	The latest style of clothes, hair, etc.	She is very interested in fashion.
Fast food	/fæst fud/	n.	Food that is prepared and served quickly	We often eat fast food on Fridays.