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
Swimmer	/ˈswɪmər/	n.	A person who swims	She is a strong swimmer.
Swimming	/ˈswɪmɪŋ/	n.	The activity or sport of moving through water by moving your body	We go swimming every week.
swimming pool	/ˈswɪmɪŋ puːl/	n.	a place filled with water for swimming	The children are in the swimming pool.
Swimsuit	/ˈswɪmˌsuːt/	n.	A piece of clothing that you wear for swimming	I forgot to bring my swimsuit.
Switch	/swɪtʃ/	v.	To use a switch to change a device from one state or type of operation to another	Can you switch the light on?
Symbol	/ˈsɪmbəl/	n.	A sign shape or object that is used to represent something else	The dove is a symbol of peace.
Sympathy	/ˈsɪmpəθi/	n.	An expression of understanding and care for someone else's suffering	I have a lot of sympathy for her.
System	/ˈsɪstəm/	n.	A set of connected things or devices that operate together	The heating system is broken.
T-shirt	/ˈtiːˌʃɜrt/	n.	A casual shirt with short sleeves	I wear a T-shirt in summer.
Table	/ˈteɪbəl/	n.	A flat surface usually supported by four legs used for putting things on	The book is on the table.
Tablet	/ˈtæblɪt/	n.	A small solid piece of medicine	Take two tablets with water.
Tail	/teɪl/	n.	A part of an animal's body pointing backward from the end of its back	The dog wagged its tail.
Take	/teɪk/	v.	To move something or someone from one place to another	Take this book to the library.
take a bath	/teɪk ə bæθ/	verb phrase	to wash in a tub	The baby takes a bath at night.
take off	/teɪk ɔf/	phr. v.	to leave the ground and begin to fly	The plane will take off soon.
take out the garbage	/teɪk aʊt ðə ˈɡɑːrbɪdʒ/	verb phrase	to carry trash outside	He takes out the garbage after dinner.
take out the recycling	/teɪk aʊt ðə riˈsaɪklɪŋ/	verb phrase	to put recycling outside	We take out the recycling on Friday.
take out the trash	/teɪk aʊt ðə træʃ/	verb phrase	to carry the garbage outside	I take out the trash after dinner.
take part	/teɪk pɑrt/	phr. v.	to join in an activity or event	I want to take part in the race.
Tale	/teɪl/	n.	A story especially one that might be invented or difficult to believe	He told a tale about a dragon.
Talent	/ˈtælən/	n.	A natural ability to be good at something especially without being taught	She has a talent for drawing.
Talk	/tɔk/	v.	To say words aloud to speak to someone	We need to talk.
Tall	/tɔl/	adj.	Of more than average height or of a particular height	He is very tall.
Tank	/tæŋk/	n.	A large military fighting vehicle designed to protect those inside it from attack driven by wheels that turn inside moving metal bands	The army used tanks in the war.
Tap	/tæp/	n.	A device that controls the flow of liquid especially water from a pipe	Turn off the tap.