All Python Keywords Explained: The Ultimate List Every Beginner Must Master in 2026

Python is noted for its basic syntax and ease of reading; however, this simplicity is hidden by a strong set of reserved terms known as Python Keywords. These terms define how programs operate and provide the fundamental structure of the language. Learning Python Keywords is a must if you’re truly serious about studying Python.

With examples and real-world applications, this guide explains each keyword in a simple way for beginners.

What Are Python Keywords?

Reserved terms with a particular significance in the Python language are known as Python keywords. Since they are already a part of Python’s syntax, you cannot use them as identifiers, variable names, or function names.

Example of invalid usage:

class = 10   # ❌ Error because 'class' is a keyword

Keywords are case-sensitive, meaning True is a keyword but true is not.

Complete List of All Python Keywords

Below is the official table of Python Keywords used in modern Python versions. Click here to learn about all python keywords

Keyword	Purpose
False	Boolean false value
None	Represents absence of value
True	Boolean true value
and	Logical AND operator
as	Used in imports and exception handling
assert	Debugging tool to test conditions
async	Declares asynchronous function
await	Waits for async result
break	Exits a loop
case	Used in match-case statements
class	Defines a class
continue	Skips to next loop iteration
def	Defines a function
del	Deletes an object
elif	Else-if condition
else	Alternative condition block
except	Handles exceptions
finally	Runs code after try-except
for	Loop keyword
from	Imports specific parts of a module
global	Declares global variable
if	Conditional statement
import	Imports modules
in	Checks membership
is	Compares object identity
lambda	Creates anonymous function
match	Pattern matching (Python 3.10+)
nonlocal	Refers to outer scope variable
not	Logical NOT operator
or	Logical OR operator
pass	Placeholder statement
raise	Throws an exception
return	Returns value from function
try	Starts exception handling
while	Loop keyword
with	Context manager
yield	Returns generator value

Categories of Python Keywords

Grouping Python Keywords makes them easier to remember.

1. Control Flow Keywords

if, elif, else, for, while, break, continue, pass

2. Logical & Boolean Keywords

and, or, not, True, False

3. Function & Class Keywords

def, return, yield, lambda, class

4. Exception Handling Keywords

try, except, finally, raise, assert

5. Import & Module Keywords

import, from, as

6. Variable Scope Keywords

global, nonlocal

7. Async Programming Keywords

async, await

8. Object/Comparison Keywords

is, in, del, with

9. Pattern Matching Keywords

match, case

Python Keywords with Practical Examples

Conditional Example

age = 20
if age >= 18:
    print("Adult")
else:
    print("Minor")

Loop Example

for i in range(5):
    if i == 3:
        break

Function Example

def greet(name):
    return f"Hello {name}"

Exception Handling Example

try:
    x = 10 / 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
    print("Cannot divide by zero")

Python Keywords vs Identifiers

Keywords	Identifiers
Reserved words	Names given to variables/functions
Cannot be used as names	Can be user-defined
Example: for, if	Example: age, total_sum

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Using Python Keywords as variable names
• Confusing is with ==
• Forgetting indentation after if, for, or while
• Misusing pass thinking it stops execution

Click here to avoid all mistakes in the python programming journey

How to Remember Python Keywords Easily

• Learn them by category
• Write small programs daily
• Use flashcards
• Practice debugging errors involving keywords

Check Python Keywords Using Code

Python provides a built-in way to see all Python Keywords:

import keyword
print(keyword.kwlist)

Keywords Added in Modern Python

• async and await for asynchronous programming
• match and case for pattern matching

Why Mastering Keywords Is Important

• Prevents syntax errors
• Improves code readability
• Helps you understand other people’s code
• Builds strong programming fundamentals

FAQs

Q1: How many Keywords are there?
There are 35+ keywords depending on the Python version.

Q2: Can Keywords change?
Yes, new keywords can be added in future updates.

Q3: Are keywords the same in all languages?
No, each programming language has its own set.

Q4: How long to learn Keywords?
A few days of practice is enough.

Conclusion

Understanding Keywords is one of the first and most important steps in mastering Python. These reserved words control logic, loops, functions, exceptions, and more. Practice them regularly, and you will build a solid foundation for advanced Python programming.