Tico Spanish for Visitors

Greetings in Costa Rica are more than simple words — they are an important part of social interaction and a reflection of cultural values. Entering a store, stepping onto a bus, or meeting a group of people without offering a greeting can feel abrupt or even rude. A simple Buenos días in the morning, Buenas tardes in the afternoon, or Buenas noches in the evening signals respect and friendliness. Visitors who take the time to use these phrases often find warmer, more helpful interactions everywhere from small pulperías to national parks.

Politeness continues throughout daily exchanges. You will hear por favor and gracias frequently, and the expected response to thanks is not de nada (as in many other Spanish-speaking countries) but con mucho gusto. This phrase literally means “with much pleasure” and reflects Costa Rica’s emphasis on kindness and courtesy. Using it naturally is one of the simplest ways to show that you are paying attention to local customs.

Perhaps the most iconic expression of all is pura vida. While it translates literally as “pure life,” its meaning is far broader. It can be used as a greeting, a farewell, a way of saying “all is well,” or simply as a positive response. Costa Ricans use it to express optimism and goodwill, and visitors who adopt the phrase with sincerity will often find it sparks smiles and connections wherever they go.

 Costa Ricans often refer to themselves as ticos or ticas. The nickname comes from an old habit of adding the diminutive ending -tico or -tica to words, which began as a way of showing affection. Over time, the expression grew into a national identity. For locals, being a tico is more than a label — it reflects pride in belonging to a small, friendly country with a strong sense of community.

Another distinct feature of Costa Rican Spanish is the preference for usted. While in many countries usted is reserved for formality, in Costa Rica it is widely used even among friends, coworkers, and sometimes family. Using usted is not about distance but about courtesy. It shows that respect underlies even the most casual conversations. For visitors, choosing usted over tú will be noticed and appreciated.

Finally, among younger people or peers, you may also hear the word mae, which works much like “dude” or “buddy” in English. It is used casually among friends but would never replace the polite tone of usted when addressing elders, teachers, or community leaders. Together, these habits — pride in being tico and the widespread use of usted — give Costa Rican Spanish a character of warmth balanced with respect.

 Meals in Costa Rica are as much about community as they are about food, and knowing a few key words helps visitors join in more easily. The national breakfast, gallo pinto, combines rice and beans cooked with onion, sweet pepper, and cilantro — a dish you will find in almost every home and hotel. At lunchtime, the most common choice is a casado, a generous plate that “marries” rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a portion of meat, fish, or sometimes cheese. Both dishes are best enjoyed at a soda, the family-run restaurants that are the heart of Costa Rican dining. Eating at a soda is not just about saving money; it is one of the most authentic ways to experience local flavors and family traditions.

Drinks are equally important to daily life. A fresco natural is fresh fruit juice blended with water or milk, while a batido is closer to a smoothie, often mixed with ice or milk for a refreshing treat. When ordering water, you may be asked whether you prefer bottled (agua en botella) or tap (agua del tubo). Tap water is safe to drink in most regions, though bottled water is often chosen by visitors. For beer and soft drinks, waiters may ask if you would like it served in the bottle (en botella) or poured into a glass (en vaso).

When dining out, a few simple phrases make the experience smoother. To order politely, many Costa Ricans say Me da un… (“Would you give me a…”) or Quisiera… (“I would like…”) instead of the more direct quiero. At the end of a meal, you can ask for the check with La cuenta, por favor. Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge, listed as servicio, but it is common to round up or leave a little extra propina (tip) if the service has been especially attentive. In casual restaurants and coffee shops, you may also be asked whether your order is para aquí o para llevar — for here or to go.

Learning these words and phrases not only makes ordering easier but also creates small moments of connection. Sharing a casado at a soda or asking for a fresco natural in Spanish is often enough to spark a smile and a warm conversation.

 Travel in Costa Rica often involves more than just rental cars and tour shuttles — many visitors will encounter buses, taxis, and neighborhood stores during their stay. A useful starting point is ¿Dónde queda…? (“Where is…?”), the simplest way to ask for directions. Once you’ve asked, you’ll want to recognize derecha (right), izquierda (left), and recto (straight ahead). Road conditions vary, and local advice is often the best way to find your way safely.

Public buses are an important part of life. Bus stops are marked with the word parada, and tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver (boleto = ticket). If renting a car, you may see signs for carro (car), and knowing these words makes navigating stations or roadside signs less confusing.

Beyond transport, a few place names are essential for errands and daily life. A farmacia is a pharmacy, while a ferretería is a hardware store — both words you may need even on a short trip. For groceries, visitors will encounter different options: a supermercado is a full-sized supermarket, a pulpería is a traditional small neighborhood shop, and a mercado is a bustling central market where vendors sell produce, meats, spices, and household goods. On weekends, most towns also host a feria, an outdoor farmers’ market where families stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables for the week. Shopping at a feria is a cultural experience in itself, filled with color, conversation, and the chance to practice Spanish with local vendors.

 Costa Rica’s currency is the colón (plural: colones), named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish). Banknotes are brightly colored and feature wildlife such as sloths, toucans, sharks, and monkeys, making them both practical and memorable souvenirs. Coins are used frequently for smaller purchases, especially in denominations of 100 and 500 colones. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, but when paying in dollars you will almost always receive change in colones, so it is useful to learn both the look of the bills and the names of the currency.

Understanding numbers makes everyday transactions smoother. In grocery stores or at a farmers’ market (feria), vendors may state prices quickly: mil colones (1,000 colones, about $2), dos mil (2,000 colones, about $4), or quinientos (500 colones, about $1). Recognizing these common amounts, along with basic numbers from one to ten, allows visitors to follow conversations with confidence. Even when prices are written on signs, hearing the spoken form is part of the experience.

Shopping customs in Costa Rica reflect the culture of courtesy. In supermarkets and most shops, prices are fixed, and bargaining is not part of the daily routine. At open-air markets, some flexibility is possible, especially if you are buying larger quantities, but haggling is not expected in the way it might be in other countries. A friendly question like ¿Cuánto cuesta? (“How much does it cost?”), combined with a smile, is the best approach. If a price seems high in a tourist area, locals often recommend looking around or comparing rather than negotiating.

Visitors will also notice that receipts in restaurants and shops may include a service tax (impuesto de servicio) or sales tax (impuesto de ventas). These are added automatically and don’t require extra calculation on the part of the customer. For travelers, the key is not to worry about bargaining or hidden fees but to become comfortable with the words and numbers they will hear most often in daily transactions.

 Travel in Costa Rica brings visitors into close contact with both cities and natural areas, and signs play an important role in helping people stay safe. Many road signs will look familiar but are written in Spanish. Alto means “stop” and is printed on bright red octagonal signs identical to U.S. stop signs. Ceda el paso means “yield” or “give way,” while Despacio is a reminder to slow down. Travelers on rural roads will quickly notice signs like Curva peligrosa (“dangerous curve”) and Puente angosto (“narrow bridge”), which are especially common in mountainous and coastal regions. Knowing these words can help visitors feel more confident behind the wheel.

In natural areas and along the coast, signs often highlight environmental protection and personal safety. No tirar basura means “do not litter,” a phrase painted on signs and walls across the country as part of Costa Rica’s conservation culture. At beaches, Prohibido nadar (“no swimming”) or Cuidado con la marea (“beware of the tide/undertow”) warn of dangerous conditions, while Cuidado: cocodrilos reminds visitors to keep a safe distance in estuaries and river mouths. Signs reading Área protegida (“protected area”) mark national parks and wildlife refuges, underscoring the importance of conservation.

Visitors may also see general warnings in towns or facilities. Prohibido el paso means “do not enter,” while Solo personal autorizado is “authorized personnel only.” In emergencies, the word Emergencias points the way to services, often near hospitals and clinics. These common phrases ensure that even without advanced Spanish, travelers can navigate safely and respectfully.

 Beyond politeness and daily vocabulary, Costa Rican Spanish is full of expressions that make conversations lively and distinctly local. The most famous is pura vida, which goes far beyond its literal meaning of “pure life.” It can be used as a greeting, a farewell, a way to say “everything’s fine,” or simply to show positivity. Embracing this phrase is a way of joining in the national spirit of optimism and friendliness.

Another common word is tuanis, borrowed from English (“too nice”) but transformed into Costa Rican slang for “cool” or “great.” Friends may also call each other mae, which works like “buddy” or “dude.” Both words are casual and best used among peers, not in formal settings.

Costa Rican Spanish also includes expressions that show surprise, luck, or enthusiasm. ¡Qué chiva! means “how cool” and is often said when admiring something new or exciting. ¡Qué dicha! expresses relief or good fortune, similar to “what luck” or “thank goodness.” You may also hear diay at the beginning of sentences; it has no direct translation but works like “so…” or “well…” in English. For younger speakers especially, it’s a filler word that keeps conversation flowing.

Finally, one word that reflects Costa Rica’s culture of animal care is zaguate. This refers to a mixed-breed dog and is commonly seen on signs for animal shelters or rescue groups. Costa Ricans often use it affectionately, as the country has embraced rescue and adoption programs for its many street dogs.

For visitors, learning these expressions is less about perfect Spanish and more about joining in local life. Using them appropriately, with a smile, is a way to connect with Costa Ricans on their own terms.

 Even with a few key words, visitors can handle most daily interactions in Costa Rica. Still, there are moments when having a short phrase ready makes communication easier and shows goodwill. One of the most useful is simply Disculpe — “excuse me.” This polite word works when asking for directions, getting someone’s attention, or apologizing for brushing past someone in a crowded bus.

For conversations where Spanish runs out, two phrases are essential: No hablo mucho español (“I don’t speak much Spanish”) and ¿Habla inglés? (“Do you speak English?”). Costa Ricans are generally patient and will often try to help, switching languages if they can. Asking Más despacio, por favor (“More slowly, please”) is another simple way to make interactions smoother.

In emergencies, clarity matters most. Necesito ayuda, por favor (“I need help, please”) can be understood quickly, especially when spoken with urgency. Visitors may also need to ask ¿Dónde está el hospital / la clínica? (“Where is the hospital/clinic?”), or recognize the word Emergencias, which appears on hospital signs.

Finally, a few practical phrases are always worth having at hand. ¿Dónde está el baño? (“Where is the bathroom?”) is among the most useful questions anywhere, and ¿Dónde queda…? (“Where is…?”) works for any location — from bus stops to supermarkets. Combined with a smile and gestures, these short phrases often go farther than expected in building understanding and trust.

 For many visitors, the most intimidating part of using Spanish in Costa Rica is the fear of making mistakes. Yet Costa Ricans are known for patience and kindness toward learners, and even a small effort is met with appreciation. A simple greeting, a few polite phrases, or an attempt to order in Spanish often sparks a smile and makes the interaction warmer.

One important tip is to speak slowly and clearly, even if you are unsure of pronunciation. A smile and good eye contact often carry as much meaning as the words themselves. If you forget a word, gestures or pointing can help fill the gap — and most Costa Ricans will meet you halfway to understand.

It also helps to remember that locals rarely expect fluency from visitors. You don’t need to master Spanish verb conjugations for basic conversations. Sticking to simple words and set phrases works fine. If you want to talk about something in the past or future, adding time words like ayer (yesterday), hoy (today), or mañana (tomorrow) gives listeners the context they need, even if your verbs are not perfect. 

 Above all, confidence grows from trying. Each attempt — whether smooth or halting — becomes part of the travel experience. If you become flustered, don’t be surprised if someone smiles and says tranquilo — a gentle reminder to relax and not worry. By embracing mistakes as part of the process, visitors discover that communication is not about perfect grammar, but about sharing moments and being understood.