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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| when | /wɛn/ | question word | asking about time | When is your birthday? | |
| where | /wɛr/ | question word | asking about a place | Where is my bag? | |
| which | /wɪtʃ/ | question word | asking to choose | Which color do you like? | |
| white | /waɪt/ | adj. | the color of snow | The paper is white. | |
| who | /hu/ | question word | asking about a person | Who is that? | |
| whose | /huz/ | question word | asking who it belongs to | Whose pen is this? | |
| why | /waɪ/ | question word | asking for a reason | Why are you sad? | |
| wind | /wɪnd/ | n. | moving air | The wind is strong. | |
| window | /ˈwɪndoʊ/ | n. | an opening in a wall | Open the window. | |
| with | /wɪð/ | prep. | together | I play with my friend. | |
| woman | /ˈwʊmən/ | n. | an adult female human | The woman is nice. | |
| wood | /wʊd/ | n. | material from trees | The table is made of wood. | |
| word | /wɜrd/ | n. | a group of letters that has meaning | Spell the word. | |
| world | /wɜrld/ | n. | the earth and all people | The world is big. | |
| write | /raɪt/ | v. | to make letters on paper | Write your name. | |
| yard | /jɑrd/ | n. | the area outside a house | Play in the yard. | |
| year | /jɪr/ | n. | 12 months | I am 10 years old. | |
| yellow | /ˈjɛloʊ/ | adj. | the color of the sun | The sun is yellow. | |
| you | /ju/ | pron. | the person you are talking to | You are my friend. | |
| young | /jʌŋ/ | adj. | not old | The baby is young. | |
| your | /jʊr/ | pron. | belonging to you | Where is your bag? | |
| yours | /jʊrz/ | pron. | the one belonging to you | Is this book yours? | |
| zebra | /ˈzibrə/ | n. | an animal with black and white stripes | The zebra has stripes. | |
| zoo | /zu/ | n. | a place to see wild animals | See the lions at the zoo. |
