![]() Socar : Could mean ‘to tighten up’ or ‘to hurry up’, depending on context.Ĭhinear: To spoil someone, to treat lovingly or well. There are several “new verbs” to be learned in Costa Rica even by those who are already fluent in Spanish. Hacerse el maje: To avoid responsibility. Jugar de vivo: To act arrogant, to show off. Ser care'barro: Being shameless, barefaced. No sia tonto mae!: No way! That’s incredible Upeehh: Expression used to call when you arrive to a place (if no one has noticed yet) or when you are outside someone’s house. For this reason, when you are told “I’ll get there ahorita” or “I’ll send it ahorita”, it’s always prudent to clarify: Ahorita…right now? Or…ahorita later? This is a measure of time that does not represent a strict nor quantified commitment, and in turn places no limitation on the freedom of action (or inaction) for whoever promises “to do it ahorita”. Curiously, it could mean “right now” or it could mean “in a moment” which could range from a few minutes to several hours later. This diminutive of “ahora” (in English “now”) is a key word used in everyday life in Costa Rica. He laughed for a long time when I explained that people were actually saying, “Siga Recto”, the classical way Tico’s express, “continue straight”. He could not understand how this “Italian cigar” could help him find his destination. Office number 3.” Funny, isn’t it?Ī German friend always practicing his Spanish, was continually confused each time he asked for directions, because he always heard a word that he thought was “Cigarretto”. Due to this, directions are usually given using distance in meters from one point of reference to another.įor instance, typical Tico directions sound something like this: “From the ex-Toyota Building, 150 meters South and 80 meters East, on the two floors house with black fence in front of the mango tree. Chunche: Any object with a difficult or unknown name.ĭirections in Costa Rica are pretty hard, since most of the streets are not named and most houses not numbered. When locals are asked, “How are you?”, the most common answer will be “Puuuura Vida!” In the process of fully speaking and understanding the “Pura Vida language” these are other basic words that you will frequently hear: Pura Vida is used to show appreciation for life but is also used to describe positive people and nice situations. It is equivalent to saying “Everything is great!” or “Life is so good!”. They are joined as an expression of the pleasure and satisfaction about life that is characteristic of Costa Rican citizens. Together, these two words represent Costa Rica worldwide. The “Tico” Spanish is rich in variations and unique expressions well worth learning. One of the tasks that await us when we visit a new country is familiarizing ourselves with the expressions and nuances of the particular language of the area and Costa Rica is no exception. However, with the regular practice of the pronunciation exercises and memorization of all the indispensable vocabulary and useful phrases, you should be able to communicate and handle most daily situations you will encounter in Costa Rica.Tico Glossary : The essentials for visitors and newcomers. "It must be pointed out that this book be considered a complete course in the Spanish language. Perfect for travellers and foreigners who live in Costa Rica. ![]() This popular book has helped 1000s of people master the basics of using Spanish in real life situation."Īs good as attending a Spanish school for beginners. It includes a basic primer on Spanish pronunciation, theme-oriented vocabulary and phrasing, and many many idioms that can help you sound like a local right from the start.Īlso Buy this book at Costa Rica Decimal literally means decimalĬhristopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rica Spanish is an invaluable book for people who know Spanish as well as those who know only a few words. Tico humor and wordplay ( this may be tough to understand):ĭecimal to pronounce wrong. Tiquismos of the week:Īl que no quiere caldo, dos tazas: when you don´t like something, you get to do it twiceĪl tonto ni Dios ni el Diablo lo quieren: fools are disliked by God and the devilĪmor con hambre no dura: love without food cannot lastĪndar con moco caído: to be in a sad mood Pollo – Soemone who does not have much experience ![]() Papi – A young person with money who dresses well. Guineo, banano, mariposa, flor – A homosexual (insulting) Here are the English translations:Ĭaballada – When a person says something stupid or senselessĬuerero – A person who hangs out with ugly women Last weeks Sunday edition of La Nación had some words that are really popular among Costa Rica’s youth. ![]()
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