Here we have the Pre-A1 English Vocabulary List — a practical word list for Pre-A1 learners who want vocabulary they can actually use, not random dictionary clutter.
Each entry includes US IPA, a simple meaning, an example sentence, and audio you can play from the table. When you’re ready to study offline, use the Download PDF button above the list.
Words are great, but you also need phrases you can say out loud. Our free English lessons teach useful chunks with audio and speaking practice — start with Lesson 1 — First Greetings if you’re new.
- English Vocabulary hub
- Learn English guide
- A1 English Vocabulary List
- A2 English Vocabulary List
- B1 English Vocabulary List
- CEFR levels overview (Council of Europe)
- British Council — English learning resources
Pre-A1 Vocabulary Quiz
Try the quiz below to check how many words you already know — or come back after you study the list.
Pre-A1 Vocabulary Words for Beginners
| Word | IPA | Type | Meaning | Example | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a | /ə/ | det. | one thing | I have a dog. | |
| about | /əˈbaʊt/ | prep. | on the subject of | Tell me about your family. | |
| afternoon | /ˌæftərˈnun/ | n. | the middle part of the day | Good afternoon. | |
| alphabet | /ˈælfəˌbɛt/ | n. | the letters of a language | I know the alphabet. | |
| an | /æn/ | det. | one thing before a vowel | I have an apple. | |
| and | /ænd/ | conj. | joining two things | I like apples and bananas. | |
| angry | /ˈæŋɡri/ | adj. | feeling mad | He is angry. | |
| animal | /ˈænəməl/ | n. | a living creature | The dog is an animal. | |
| any | /ˈɛni/ | det. | used in questions and negatives | Do you have any brothers? | |
| apartment | /əˈpɑrtmənt/ | n. | rooms for living in | We live in an apartment. | |
| apple | /ˈæpəl/ | n. | a round fruit with red or green skin | I eat an apple every day. | |
| are | /ɑr/ | v. | form of be used with you, we, and they | They are my friends. | |
| arm | /ɑrm/ | n. | part of the body | This is my arm. | |
| armchair | /ˈɑrmˌtʃɛr/ | n. | a comfortable chair with sides | Grandpa sits in the armchair. | |
| ask | /æsk/ | v. | to say a question | Ask the teacher. | |
| at | /æt/ | prep. | in a place | I am at home. | |
| aunt | /ænt/ | n. | the sister of your mother or father | My aunt gave me a gift. | |
| back | /bæk/ | n. | the back part of the body | My back hurts. | |
| bad | /bæd/ | adj. | not good | This is a bad apple. | |
| bag | /bæɡ/ | n. | a container used for carrying things | Put the book in your bag. | |
| balcony | /ˈbælkəni/ | n. | a platform outside a window | Stand on the balcony. | |
| ball | /bɔl/ | n. | a round object used in games | Kick the ball. | |
| balloon | /bəˈlun/ | n. | a colored rubber bag filled with air | The balloon is red. | |
| banana | /bəˈnænə/ | n. | a long yellow fruit | I eat a banana. | |
| baseball | /ˈbeɪsˌbɔl/ | n. | a game played with a bat and ball | He plays baseball. |
