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
set an alarm	/sɛt ən əˈlɑrm/	verb phrase	to choose a time for a clock to ring	I set an alarm for 6:30.
set the table	/sɛt ðə ˈteɪbəl/	verb phrase	to put plates and cups on the table	We set the table before dinner.
setting	/ˈsɛtɪŋ/	n.	the place or situation where something happens	The story has a mountain setting.
settings	/ˈsɛtɪŋz/	n.	the choices that control how something works	You can change the phone settings.
Several	/ˈsɛvrəl/	det.	Some an amount that is not exact but is fewer than many	I have visited London several times.
sew	/soʊ/	v.	to join cloth with a needle and thread	I sew a button on my shirt.
Shade	/ʃeɪd/	n.	Slight darkness caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun	Let's sit in the shade.
Shadow	/ˈʃædoʊ/	n.	An area of darkness produced by an object coming between light and a surface	The tree cast a long shadow.
Shake	/ʃeɪk/	v.	To move backwards and forwards or up and down in quick short movements	Shake the bottle before opening.
shame	/ʃeɪm/	n.	An uncomfortable feeling of guilt	He felt a deep sense of shame.
shampoo	/ʃæmˈpuː/	n.	a liquid used to wash hair	I need to buy some shampoo.
Shape	/ʃeɪp/	n.	The particular physical form or appearance of something	The cloud was in the shape of a dog.
Share	/ʃɛr/	v.	To have or use something at the same time as someone else	We share a bedroom.
shave	/ʃeɪv/	v.	to cut hair from the face	My father shaves before work.
Sheet	/ʃit/	n.	A large piece of thin cloth used on a bed for sleeping on or under	I changed the sheets on the bed.
Shoot	/ʃut/	v.	To fire a bullet or an arrow or to hit injure or kill a person or animal by firing a bullet or arrow at them	He learned how to shoot a bow.
shop assistant	/ˈʃɑp əˌsɪstənt/	n.	a person who helps customers in a shop	The shop assistant was very helpful.
shopper	/ˈʃɑpər/	n.	a person who buys things in shops	The shoppers were looking for shoes.
Shopping	/ˈʃɑpɪŋ/	n.	The activity of buying things from shops	I do the shopping on Saturdays.
shopping bag	/ˈʃɑpɪŋ bæɡ/	noun phrase	a bag for carrying bought things	I put the oranges in my shopping bag.
shopping centre	/ˈʃɑpɪŋ ˌsɛntər/	n.	a large place with many shops	We met at the shopping centre.
Should	/ʃʊd/	mod. v.	Used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do	You should see a doctor.
Shout	/ʃaʊt/	v.	To speak with a very loud voice often as loud as possible	Don't shout at me!
Shower	/ˈʃaʊər/	n.	A device that releases drops of water through a lot of very small holes and that you stand under to wash your body	I take a shower every morning.
Shut	/ʃʌt/	v.	To close something	Please shut the door.