As soon as the ink dried on my college diploma, I did what any adventurous twenty-something Spanish learner would do. I bought a one-way ticket to Costa Rica, where I learned all about Costa Rican Spanish.
I had no plans, no connections, and no idea what I was getting myself into. All I had was my Spanish degree and a contact I had never met – an old friend of my mom’s hair stylist, Adrian Cordero. But that was all I needed to start speaking Spanish like a Costa Rican.
The next thing I knew, I was in Jaco, a small beach town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. For the next 4 months, I was ready to dive head first into learning Costa Rican Spanish.
Now, in this article, I want to share with you everything I learned about Costa Rica’s unique phrases, slang, and pronunciation. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
3 Costa Rican Spanish terms you can’t live without
If you want to get the hang of Costa Rican Spanish, it’s best to start with their local slang.
In fact, there are 3 super popular slang words that are unique to Costa Rica. By adding these three words to your Spanish vocabulary, talking like a Tico will be a breeze!
Tico
“Tico” is a term used to refer to people from Costa Rica, and it is a unique and commonly used word in the country. It’s tough to say where the term Tico actually came from, but there are a few theories.
Some believe that it may have come from the habit of Costa Ricans to add the diminutive “-tico” to the end of words.
Others believe it may come from the phrase “hermanitico,” which means “little brother” in Spanish.
Others suggest that the origins of “tico” are from the indigenous Maleku language, where it means “people” or “person.”
Regardless of its origins, “tico” has become an endearing term used not only by Costa Ricans but also by those who love and appreciate the country and its culture.
How is Tico used in sentences?
Today, the word “tico” is used affectionately by Costa Ricans to refer to themselves, as well as to their fellow countrymen. That’s not all though.
It is also commonly used as an adjective to describe anything related to Costa Rica or its culture. For example, a restaurant that serves traditional Costa Rican food may be referred to as a “restaurante tico.”
In sentences, people use “tico” in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:
- “Soy tico” – This means “I am Costa Rican.”
- “Este lugar es muy tico” – This means “This place is very Costa Rican,” and is often used to describe something that is typical or representative of Costa Rican culture.
- “Los ticos son muy amables” – This means “Costa Ricans are very friendly,” and is a common compliment given to Costa Ricans for their welcoming and hospitable nature.
Learning about the word “tico” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mastering Costa Rican Spanish, but it’s a great place to start for those looking to dive into the country’s unique culture and language!
Pura Vida
“Pura vida” is a phrase people use in Costa Rica almost on a daily basis. Which makes sense, since it’s pretty much the unofficial motto of the country. The phrase translates to “pure life” in English, but its meaning goes beyond that.
It is a way of life that emphasizes simplicity, happiness, and gratitude. It’s a reminder to enjoy the present moment and to appreciate the little things in life. I think we can all appreciate that!
So, how exactly do we use Pura Vida in context?
How to use Pura Vida in sentences
In Costa Rica, people use “pura vida” in a variety of ways. It can be a greeting, a farewell, or an expression of gratitude.
For example, when you meet someone on the street, you might say “pura vida” instead of “hello.”
When you leave a store, you might say “pura vida” instead of “goodbye.”
On the other hand, when someone does something nice for you, you might say “gracias, pura vida mae” to express your gratitude.
Overall, “pura vida” is more than just a phrase. It represents a way of life that Ticos have deeply ingrained into Costa Rican culture. As a result, “pura vida” is something that visitors to the country quickly come to embrace.
Mae
The word “mae” is one of the most popular slang terms in Costa Rican Spanish that Ticos use frequently in everyday conversations. Its origins are a little unclear, but some say it is from the English word “mate” or the Spanish word “maje,” which means a person who is naive or simple-minded.
If you’re familiar with Mexican Spanish, it’s somewhat similar to “Güey”.
Or if you have ever been to Argentina, mae is like “Che” in Spanish from Argentina.
How to use Mae in sentences
In Costa Rican Spanish, “mae” is a versatile word people use in different ways, depending on the context and tone of the conversation. A lot of times, it’s a greeting between friends, similar to “Hey man” or “what’s up dude” in English. For example, someone might say “mae, ¿qué hacés?” or “Hey man what are you doing?” to a friend they meet on the street.
“Mae” can also be used as an expression of surprise or disbelief, like “No way” or “Are you serious?” For example, if someone tells a story that is hard to believe, someone else might respond with “¡mae, qué locura!” (mae, how crazy!).
Even simpler than that, people use “mae” as a filler word, similar to “um” or “like” in English. This is especially common among younger people in casual conversations. For example, someone might say “entonces, mae, vamos al cine o algo así” (so, like, do we go to the movies or something?).
Overall, “mae” is a fascinating word that reflects the unique language, culture, and lifestyle, of Costa Rica. It’s easy to use and it’s very versatile, making it an important term to remember for anyone looking to speak Costa Rican Spanish like a local.
The Use of Indirect Language in Costa Rican Spanish
In Costa Rican Spanish, people tend to use indirect language over direct language. Meaning, that instead of saying things in a straightforward way, Costa Ricans often use more tactful and polite language, especially in formal situations.
Once, I hinted to my Costa Rican friend Adrian about borrowing his bike for an errand. He politely deflected and told me about a recent brake adjustment that might make it a little tricky to ride. Instead, he suggested it would probably be easier to look for another way to get around town.
At first, I was a little confused because I thought, “I know how to ride a bike – a break adjustment isn’t that big of a deal?” But, I got the hint, even though his indirect response to my question left me a bit confused.
In the end, I found a used bike instead and it all worked out!
How to Express Uncertainty
Want to blend in with the local Ticos? Here are some ways you can adjust your approach so the locals see you as polite and tactful.
For example, you could use words like “podría” (could), “quizás” (perhaps), “tal vez” (maybe) to express uncertainty or politeness.
Another example might be, instead of directly saying “No puedo ir” (I can’t go), a Costa Rican might say “Sería difícil ir” (It would be difficult to go).
Similarly, instead of saying “Eso es incorrecto” (That is incorrect), a Costa Rican might say “Quizás podríamos considerar otra opción” (Perhaps we could consider another option).
Ultimately, Costa Ricans see this as a sign of respect and it is used to avoid causing offense or conflict. It also reflects the culture of Costa Rica, which values harmony and cooperation.
The sound of Costa Rican Spanish
3 Unique Pronunciations in Costa Rican Spanish
The Costa Rican accent is a very pleasant one. In fact, it’s very easy to understand. For the most part, it also tends to follow the standard “classroom” Spanish rules we learn here in the U.S.
In other words, Costa Rican’s accent is pretty neutral, which means it does not have strong regional variations. This makes it very easy to understand for non-native speakers as well as Spanish speakers of other dialects.
Of course, there are always a few exceptions!
Here are a few examples of the unique pronunciation in Costa Rican Spanish.
The Use of Seseo
The pronunciation of the letters “c” and “z” as “s”. For example, “zapato” (shoe) and “cinco” (five) are pronounced as “sapato” and “sinco”.
Aspiration of “s”:
The “s” sound at the end of words is often pronounced as an “h” sound. For example, “dos” (two) is pronounced as “doh”.
Use of diminutives:
Costa Ricans frequently use diminutive suffixes such as “-ito” and “-ita” to convey endearment or smallness. For example, “cafecito” (little coffee) or “casita” (little house).
The intonation of Costa Rican Spanish
Here’s another twist with the Spanish spoken in Costa Rica – the Costa Rican question intonation. It’s a unique feature that makes Costa Rican Spanish stand out from the rest!
This intriguing intonation involves ending statements with a rise in pitch, as if asking a question. While other Spanish-speaking countries use it, it’s especially noticeable in Costa Rica, where Ticos use it prominently.
But the question intonation isn’t just for asking questions. In Costa Rica, it can be used to indicate uncertainty or to seek confirmation. For example, “Vamos al cine?” can be used to ask a question, or to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener.
Using the right amount of question intonation is crucial to sound like a native Costa Rican speaker. Overusing it can make you sound unsure or insecure, so finding a balance is key.
Once you’ve mastered this unique feature, you’ll be well on your way to blending in with the locals and having meaningful conversations in Costa Rican Spanish.
Voseo vs Tú and in Costa Rica
If you ever go to Costa Rica, you will probably hear “vos” a lot instead of “tú” to address people in the second person singular.
For example, “¿Vos sos de Costa Rica?” (Are you from Costa Rica?) instead of “¿Tú eres de Costa Rica?”
While it might seem confusing at first, understanding how it works in Costa Rica can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in this beautiful country.
Here are some key points about voseo in Costa Rican Spanish:
“Vos” is primarily used for informal situations. It’s a way of addressing someone with whom you have a close or friendly relationship, such as friends, family members, or people of the same age.
Vos Conjugations in Costa Rica
One of the key differences between “tú” and “vos” is the verb conjugations. In Costa Rican Spanish, when using “vos,” the verb endings are often different. For example:
“Tú hablas” (You speak) becomes “Vos hablás.”
“Tú comes” (You eat) becomes “Vos comés.”
“Tú vives” (You live) becomes “Vos vivís.”
How to Speak Spanish in Costa Rica Like a Tico
Looking to learn Spanish from Costa Rica? Here are a few resources to help you along the way!
Duolingo Costa Rican Spanish: Duolingo offers a Costa Rican Spanish course to help learners familiarize themselves with the unique vocabulary and pronunciation of Costa Rican Spanish. Costa Rican Spanish from Duolingo.
Costa Rican Spanish Phrases: This website provides a list of common phrases and words used in Costa Rican Spanish with audio pronunciations. Costa Rican Spanish Phrases
FluentU: FluentU offers a range of videos in Spanish, including Costa Rican Spanish, with interactive captions and quizzes to help learners improve their listening and comprehension skills. FluentU Costa Rican Spanish
YouTube Channels: There are several YouTube channels that focus on teaching Costa Rican Spanish, such as “TicoLingo.” You can search for specific lessons and phrases related to Costa Rican Spanish on YouTube.
Online Language Schools: Consider enrolling in an online language school that specializes in Latin American Spanish. Many of these schools have teachers from Costa Rica who can provide personalized lessons. Websites like Spanish Nerd, iTalki, and Verbling can help you find tutors.
Language Exchange Meetups: Look for language exchange meetups or partners who are native Costa Ricans. These meetups can be in person or online, and they offer a great opportunity to practice speaking with native speakers.
Costa Rican Radio and Podcasts: Listening to Costa Rican radio stations or podcasts can help improve your listening skills. Try Radio Costa Rica (https://radiocostarica.net/) or search for Costa Rican podcasts on platforms like Spotify.
Remember that learning a regional dialect involves not only vocabulary and pronunciation but also cultural context. So keep in mind that immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture through music, movies, and literature can be incredibly helpful!
