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
businesswoman	/ˈbɪznəsˌwʊmən/	n.	a woman who works in business	The businesswoman has a busy day.
button	/ˈbʌtən/	n.	a small round object used to fasten clothes	I lost a button on my shirt.
buying	/ˈbaɪɪŋ/	v.	getting something by paying for it	She is buying milk at the store.
by accident	/baɪ ˈæksɪdənt/	adverb phrase	not on purpose	I called her by accident.
by post	/baɪ poʊst/	adverb phrase	using the mail	You can send the letter by post.
by the way	/baɪ ðə ˈweɪ/	phrase	used to add a new idea	By the way, your mom called.
Cabinet	/ˈkæbɪnɪt/	n.	A piece of furniture for storage	The glasses are in the kitchen cabinet.
cafe	/ˈkæfeɪ/	n.	a small restaurant where you can get drinks and simple food	We had coffee in a cafe.
cafeteria	/ˌkæfəˈtɪriə/	n.	a place where you choose and buy food	Students eat lunch in the cafeteria.
Calendar	/ˈkæləndər/	n.	A list of days, weeks, and months of the year	I wrote the meeting date on my calendar.
Camp	/kæmp/	v.	To stay in a tent for a short time	We like to camp in the mountains during summer.
camping	/ˈkæmpɪŋ/	n.	staying in a tent outside	We went camping near the lake.
campsite	/ˈkæmpˌsaɪt/	n.	a place where people camp	The campsite is near the river.
Can	/kæn/	mod. v.	To be able to do something	I can speak two languages.
Candy	/ˈkændi/	n.	Sweet food made with sugar	Don't eat too much candy.
cannot	/ˈkænɑːt/	mod. v.	not able to	I cannot open the door.
Capital	/ˈkæpɪtəl/	n.	The most important city in a country	Paris is the capital of France.
car park	/ˈkɑːr pɑːrk/	n.	an area where cars are parked	We left the car in the car park.
card game	/ˈkɑrd ɡeɪm/	noun phrase	a game played with cards	We like a card game after school.
Career	/kəˈrɪr/	n.	The job or series of jobs that someone does	She wants a career in medicine.
Careful	/ˈkɛrfl/	adj.	Giving attention to avoid danger	Be careful when you cross the road.
Carpet	/ˈkɑrpət/	n.	A thick material used for covering floors	The living room has a soft blue carpet.
carriage	/ˈker.ɪdʒ/	n.	a part of a train for passengers	We sat in the first carriage.
cartoon	/kɑːrˈtuːn/	n.	a funny drawing or TV show with drawings	My brother watches cartoons every morning.
Cash	/kæʃ/	n.	Money in the form of notes and coins	I don't have any cash, can I pay by card?