English Words for Beginners: Where to Start

Guide · Updated 2026-10-22

Beginners should start with A1 everyday words grouped by topic: animals, food, the home, clothes, the body, colours and common verbs. They are short, easy to picture and you will use them every day.

A sensible order

1. Things around you: CAT, DOG, BED, CHAIR, DOOR, BOOK.
2. Food and drink: APPLE, BREAD, MILK, WATER, EGG.
3. Colours and simple adjectives: RED, BLUE, BIG, SMALL, HOT.
4. The body and clothes: HAND, EYE, SHIRT, SHOE.
5. Common verbs: EAT, RUN, SEE, READ, PLAY.
6. Weather and nature: SUN, RAIN, TREE, RIVER.

What A1 means

A1 is the first level of the CEFR scale used by schools and language exams. At A1 you understand and use familiar everyday words and very simple phrases. A2 adds routine situations; B1 lets you handle most everyday conversations.

Start with Word Search: Learning English

• The first levels are A1 words, shown in full next to the translation in your language.
• Grids are 6x6 with big letters, so the game is easy to start.
• Every word has a picture and its pronunciation.
• When you are ready, the game moves to A2 and shows only the first letter.

Tip: don't skip the early levels even if they look easy. They take seconds and make sure the base words are really yours.