Learning English vocabulary can feel overwhelming—so many words, so little time! But here’s the good news: you don’t need to memorize every word. Instead, focus on vocabulary by topic. When words are connected to real-life situations like travel, food, or shopping, they’re easier to remember and use.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential vocabulary grouped by topic, with practical examples that help you remember words long-term. Let’s get started!
✈️ Travel Vocabulary: Words You Need on the Go
Core Travel Words
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Passport – You need your passport to enter another country.
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Boarding pass – Show your boarding pass at the gate.
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Luggage – My luggage is too heavy to carry!
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Customs – We waited 30 minutes at customs.
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Itinerary – Our travel itinerary includes three cities.
Travel Phrases in Use:
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“Where is the check-in counter?”
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“I have a reservation under the name Anna.”
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“Could you call a taxi, please?”
Memory Tip:
Visualize yourself at an airport. Picture checking in, showing your passport, and carrying your luggage. Use flashcards with travel photos and these words together.
🍽️ Food Vocabulary: Ordering and Eating Like a Local
Common Food Words
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Appetizer – We had soup as an appetizer.
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Main course – I’ll have steak for my main course.
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Dessert – Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert.
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Menu – Can I see the menu, please?
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Bill (UK: Bill, US: Check) – Can we have the bill, please?
Restaurant Phrases:
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“I’d like to order the grilled chicken.”
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“What do you recommend?”
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“Is this dish vegetarian?”
Memory Tip:
Practice ordering food in English—even if it’s just at home. Pretend you’re in a restaurant and role-play with a friend or record yourself.
🛍️ Shopping Vocabulary: From Window-Shopping to Checkout
Must-Know Shopping Words
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Price tag – The price tag says $49.99.
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Fitting room – The fitting room is over there.
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On sale – These shoes are on sale today!
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Cashier – Pay at the cashier near the exit.
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Receipt – Don’t forget your receipt.
Shopping Phrases:
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“Do you have this in a different size?”
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“How much does this cost?”
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“Can I pay by card?”
Memory Tip:
Make a shopping list in English. Use new words when describing your next shopping trip—online or in-person. Try watching fashion or grocery haul videos in English for extra context.
🧠 How to Remember Vocabulary Long-Term
1. Group Words by Situation
When you learn vocabulary in real-life groups (e.g., airport, restaurant), your brain forms stronger memory links.
2. Use Spaced Repetition
Review words after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and so on. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help.
3. Practice in Context
Don’t just read the word—use it in a sentence, write a short story, or talk to a friend using the new vocabulary.
4. Create Mini Dialogues
Example (Shopping):
A: “Excuse me, how much is this jacket?”
B: “It’s $79.99. It’s on sale today!”
🎯 Practice Time: Quick Quiz
Choose the best word to complete the sentence:
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“We waited in line at ___ before our flight.”
a) baggage
b) customs ✅
c) gatekeeper -
“The waiter brought us the ___ after dinner.”
a) receipt
b) note
c) bill ✅ -
“This dress doesn’t fit. Where’s the ___?”
a) cashier
b) fitting room ✅
c) hanger
(✅ Correct answers marked)
🚀 Next Step: Expand Your Vocabulary One Topic at a Time
Each week, pick one topic—like transportation, health, or jobs—and learn 10–15 words with examples. Practice using them in writing or speaking.
👉 Tip for Learners:
Bookmark this guide and revisit it often. Learning a little every day builds strong vocabulary over time.
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