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.
- English Vocabulary hub
- Learn English guide
- Pre-A1 English Vocabulary List
- A1 English Vocabulary List
- B1 English Vocabulary List
- CEFR levels overview (Council of Europe)
- British Council — English learning resources
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| play cards | /pleɪ kɑrdz/ | verb phrase | to play a card game | My friends play cards at home. | |
| Player | /ˈpleɪ.ər/ | n. | Someone who takes part in a game or sport | He is a very good tennis player. | |
| playing | /ˈpleɪɪŋ/ | v. | doing a game or sport | The children are playing outside. | |
| Pleasant | /ˈplɛz.ənt/ | adj. | Enjoyable attractive friendly or easy to like | We had a pleasant evening. | |
| pleased | /plizd/ | adj. | Happy or satisfied | I am pleased to meet you. | |
| Plenty | /ˈplɛn.ti/ | pron. | The state of having enough or more than enough or a large amount | We have plenty of time. | |
| plug | /plʌɡ/ | v. | to put a cord into a power point | Please plug in the computer. | |
| plus | /plʌs/ | prep. | Added to | Two plus two is four. | |
| /ˈpɑː.kɪt/ | n. | A small bag for carrying things in made of cloth and sewn into the inside or onto the outside of a piece of clothing | I have some coins in my pocket. | ||
| Poem | /ˈpoʊ.əm/ | n. | A piece of writing in which the words are arranged in separate lines often ending in rhyme and are chosen for their sound and for the images and ideas they suggest | She wrote a beautiful poem. | |
| polar bear | /ˌpoʊ.lɚ ˈber/ | n. | a large white bear that lives in the Arctic | A polar bear lives on ice and snow. | |
| police car | /pəˈliːs kɑr/ | n. | a car used by the police | The police car stopped near the store. | |
| police officer | /pəˈliːs ˈɑː.fɪ.sɚ/ | n. | a person who works for the police | A police officer helped the lost child. | |
| police station | /pəˈliːs ˈsteɪ.ʃən/ | n. | the building where police work | We went to the police station to ask for help. | |
| Policeman | /pəˈliːs.mən/ | n. | A male member of a police force | The policeman helped us find the way. | |
| polite | /pəˈlaɪt/ | adj. | Behaving in a way that is not rude | He is a very polite boy. | |
| Pool | /puːl/ | n. | A small area of usually still water | We swam in the pool. | |
| poor thing | /ˌpʊr ˈθɪŋ/ | phrase | something you say to show sympathy | Poor thing, she is very tired. | |
| Pop | /pɑp/ | n. | Modern popular music usually with a strong beat created with electrical or electronic equipment and easy to listen to and remember | I like pop music. | |
| Popular | /ˈpɑp.jə.lər/ | adj. | Liked enjoyed or supported by many people | Football is a very popular sport. | |
| Population | /ˌpɑp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ | n. | All the people living in a particular country area or place | The population of London is very large. | |
| Port | /pɔrt/ | n. | A town by the sea or by a river that has a harbour or the harbour itself | The ship arrived at the port. | |
| Position | /pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ | n. | The place where something or someone is often in relation to other things | The house is in a beautiful position. | |
| Positive | /ˈpɑz.ɪ.tɪv/ | adj. | Full of hope and confidence or giving cause for hope and confidence | She has a positive attitude. | |
| possibly | /ˈpɑːsəblɪ/ | adv. | Maybe | I will possibly be late. |
