What is B1 English Vocabulary?
B1 vocabulary refers to the intermediate level of English in the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
At this level, learners can:
- Handle everyday conversations and written communication
- Understand texts on familiar topics (school, work, travel, etc.)
- Express opinions and feelings clearly
- Manage most situations when traveling in English-speaking countries
B1 vocabulary focuses on practical, day-to-day words, useful phrasal verbs, and common idioms used in spoken and written English.
📚 50+ Common B1 English Vocabulary Words (With Examples)
Here’s a useful word list for B1 learners, complete with meanings and sample sentences:
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Arrange | To organize or plan something | “We need to arrange a meeting.” |
| Avoid | To keep away from something | “You should avoid fatty foods.” |
| Borrow | To take something temporarily | “Can I borrow your pen?” |
| Carry | To hold or move something | “She carried the heavy bag.” |
| Decide | To make a choice | “He decided to study abroad.” |
| Describe | To explain something | “Can you describe the suspect?” |
| Explain | To make something clear | “She explained the rules.” |
| Forget | To not remember | “I forgot my keys at home.” |
| Improve | To make something better | “You need to improve your grammar.” |
| Invite | To ask someone to come | “I invited my friends to the party.” |
🧠 How Many Words Are in B1 Vocabulary?
At the B1 level, you’re likely to understand and use around 2,500–3,000 word families, including:
- Common verbs and adjectives
- Useful phrasal verbs
- Everyday nouns
- High-frequency idioms and expressions
What’s your English level?
Discover your level now: A1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2 and GET your certificate!
✍️ How to Learn B1 English Vocabulary Easily
✅ Read simple texts:
- Graded readers (B1-level books)
- News websites with simplified English (e.g., Breaking News English)
✅ Watch and listen:
- English shows with subtitles
- Podcasts made for intermediate learners
✅ Practice vocabulary in context:
- Write short paragraphs using new words
- Speak or record yourself using new vocabulary
✅ Use flashcards & apps:
- Quizlet, Memrise, and Duolingo
- Word of the day apps
✅ Join online speaking groups or take quizzes
- Use the new vocabulary in real conversations and games!
B1 English Vocabulary Quiz – Test Your Intermediate English!
Choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) for each question.
1. What does “borrow” mean?
A) To give away
B) To lend
C) To take something temporarily
D) To return
2. She is very polite.
A) Angry
B) Rude
C) Kind and respectful
D) Nervous
3. They will arrive at 6 PM.
A) Go away
B) Come to a place
C) Start something
D) Call someone
4. I always carry a water bottle.
A) Drop
B) Hold and move something
C) Fill
D) Lose
5. Which word means to talk about something in detail?
A) Laugh
B) Eat
C) Describe
D) Wait
6. He is tired after work.
A) Rested
B) Bored
C) Sleepy or exhausted
D) Hungry
7. She invited me to the party.
A) Ignored
B) Helped
C) Asked to come
D) Paid
8. What does “easy” mean?
A) Difficult
B) Simple
C) Boring
D) Important
9. I need to improve my English.
A) Forget
B) Make better
C) Stop
D) Change
10. He forgot my birthday.
A) Remembered
B) Ignored
C) Didn’t remember
D) Celebrated
11. What does “expensive” mean?
A) Tastes good
B) Costs a lot of money
C) Very cheap
D) Small in size
12. She’s very friendly.
A) Shy
B) Nice and sociable
C) Loud
D) Quiet
13. I can’t find my phone.
A) Look for and get
B) Call
C) Buy
D) Break
14. What does “message” mean?
A) A book
B) A phone
C) A written or spoken note
D) A job
15. I often travel for work.
A) Move from one place to another
B) Cook food
C) Type emails
D) Write books
16. She wants to learn Spanish.
A) Forget
B) Teach
C) Study and understand
D) Avoid
17. My neighbor is very kind.
A) Teacher
B) Friend
C) Person who lives near you
D) Coworker
18. What does “dangerous” mean?
A) Safe
B) Risky or harmful
C) Important
D) Boring
19. He’s very busy this week.
A) Lazy
B) Free
C) Has a lot to do
D) Happy
20. I’m afraid of snakes.
A) Love
B) Curious
C) Not sure
D) Scared
✅ Answer Key
- C
- C
- B
- B
- C
- C
- C
- B
- B
- C
- B
- B
- A
- C
- A
- C
- C
- B
- C
- D
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is B1 English good enough to live abroad?
✅ Yes, B1 is enough for basic day-to-day communication, travel, and simple work tasks.
Q: What English test matches B1 level?
📝 Tests like Cambridge PET, IELTS (around Band 4–5), and TOEFL (score 42–71) reflect B1 ability.
Q: How do I move from B1 to B2?
📈 Learn more topic-specific vocabulary, practice reading and writing regularly, and immerse yourself in English.
Conclusion
B1 English vocabulary is your foundation for fluency. At this stage, you’re becoming more confident in using English in real-life situations — whether it’s at work, school, or traveling.
Keep practicing, use new words often, and grow your confidence daily!
