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
Umbrella	/ʌmˈbrɛlə/	n.	An object used to protect from rain	Take an umbrella, it is raining.
Uncle	/ˈʌŋkl/	n.	The brother of your mother or father	My uncle lives in London.
Under	/ˈʌndər/	prep.	Below something	The cat is under the table.
Underground	/ˈʌndərˌɡraʊnd/	n.	A railway system beneath a city	I take the underground to work.
Understand	/ˌʌndərˈstænd/	v.	To know the meaning of something	I do not understand this word.
unfortunately	/ʌnˈfɔrtʃənətli/	adv.	used to say something bad or sad happened	Unfortunately, the train was late.
Unhappy	/ʌnˈhæpi/	adj.	Sad	He was unhappy with the result.
Uniform	/ˈjunɪfɔrm/	n.	Special clothes worn by members of a group	The students wear a school uniform.
Unit	/ˈjunɪt/	n.	A single complete part of something	We are studying unit five today.
University	/ˌjunɪˈvɜrsɪti/	n.	A place of higher education	She studies medicine at university.
Until	/ənˈtɪl/	prep.	Up to the time that	I will wait until you return.
Unusual	/ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/	adj.	Not common	It is unusual for him to be late.
Up	/ʌp/	adv.	Towards a higher place	He walked up the stairs.
Update	/ˈʌpdeɪt/	v.	To add the latest information	I need to update my phone.
upload	/ˈʌpˌloʊd/	v.	Send data to the internet	Upload your photo.
Upon	/əˈpɒn/	prep.	On	The book was placed upon the table.
Upper	/ˈʌpər/	adj.	Higher in position	My room is on the upper floor.
Upset	/ʌpˈsɛt/	adj.	Unhappy or worried	She was upset when she lost her keys.
Upstairs	/ˌʌpˈstɛrz/	adv.	To or on a higher floor	I am going upstairs to sleep.
Us	/ʌs/	pron.	Me and another person	The teacher gave us homework.
Use	/juːz/	v.	To do something with an object	Can I use your pen?
Useful	/ˈjusfəl/	adj.	Helpful for doing something	This map is very useful.
User	/ˈjuːzər/	n.	A person who uses a service or machine	The software is friendly for the user.
Usual	/ˈjuːʒuəl/	adj.	Normal or expected	I will meet you at the usual time.
Usually	/ˈjuːʒuəli/	adv.	In the way that is normal	I usually wake up at 7 AM.