Slang & Idioms
Costa Rica's official language is Spanish, though a large number of its citizens are at least moderately bilingual. English, due to its status as the international language of tourists, is the most common second language in Costa Rica. In most areas frequented by tourists – hotels, restaurants and national parks – visitors will find signs in English and employees who speak it fluently. In addition, the Caribbean coast considers its local creole, which is very similar to Jamaican English, as one of its unofficial languages.
FAQs
What does “pura vida” mean?
Directly translated from Spanish, this iconic phrase means pure life. In reality, it is more a state of mind: Costa Ricans take every opportunity to enjoy life, and this carefree term expresses general satisfaction. Pura vida is used as greeting or farewell, to express thanks, and as a response to “how are you?”
Do Costa Ricans speak English?
Many Costa Ricans speak conversational English in the tourism industry. As you travel into more rural areas of the country, you will encounter more people who speak only Spanish. Costa Ricans are known for being friendly, so if you’re having trouble communicating, a smile, hand gestures and an English-Spanish dictionary will serve you well.
See Also
Fun Facts
Fifteen interesting facts about Costa Rica, from local slang to the most active volcanoes.
ContinueLast updated: Oct 27, 2023