Spanish in Costa Rica: Slang Phrases to Know

Spanish in Costa Rica is known for its use of slang phrases, known as “tiquismos,” which are used in everyday conversation. If you are planning to visit or live in Costa Rica, it’s essential to understand some of the common slang phrases used in the country. Here are some of the most common tiquismos you can use when speaking Spanish in Costa Rica:

Pura vida

If you want to learn any one thing specific to Spanish in Costa Rica, it’s the phrase: “pura vida,” which translates to “pure life” or “simple life.” You can use pura vida as a greeting, a farewell, and even a general expression of positivity. Overall, Costa Ricans use this phrase to convey a sense of well-being and happiness, as well as to acknowledge the simple pleasures in life.

Mae

Another popular slang term in Costa Rica is “mae,” which is similar to the English word “dude.” It’s a casual way of addressing a friend or acquaintance, and it’s commonly used among young people.

Tuanis

This means “cool” or “awesome.” It can be used to describe anything that is enjoyable or impressive, such as a great meal, a beautiful view, or a fun activity.

Que chiva

Similar to “tuanis,” “que chiva” is another way to say “cool” or “awesome.” You can use this in Costa Rica to express both excitement or admiration for something.

Birra

In Costa Rica, “birra” is a colloquial term for beer. If you’re looking to order a cold one at a local bar or restaurant, this is the word you’ll want to use.

Tico/Tica

Costa Ricans refer to themselves as “ticos” (males) or “ticas” (females). This term is widely used across the country and is an important part of the local identity. See this post for more information on the use of the word “tico”.

Chante

“Chante” refers to a house or home. It can also be used to describe a hangout spot or a gathering place for friends.

Que rico

“Que rico” is a common slang expression in Costa Rica that means “how delicious” or “how tasty.” You can use this to express enjoyment or pleasure, particularly when talking about food. But you can also use this to talk about anything that is great.

¡Qué torta!

The translation of “Qué torta” is literally “what a cake!” Even though cake is delicious and a great thing normally, you can use “qué torta” to express frustration or disappointment.

¡Qué jupa!

If you roughly translate “¡Qué jupa!”, it means”what a mess!” You can use this to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.

Buena Nota

“Buena nota” is a slang phrase that means “cool” or “good.” Spanish in Costa Rica uses “buena nota” to describe something that is impressive or desirable, such as a great party or a successful business deal. You can also call a person “buena nota”, meaning they’re good, kind, or generally well-liked.

Hablar paja

This means to talk nonsense or to exaggerate. People often use this with friends in a joking way, however it’s not terribly formal. So don’t just use it with anyone.

Goma

“Goma” is a slang term for a hangover. If you wake up feeling groggy and tired after a night of partying, you can say that you have a “goma.” You can say: “Estoy con goma”.

Al chile

“Al chile” is a slang phrase that means “seriously” or “for real.” People often use it to emphasize a point as well as to express agreement with someone else.

Que pega

This means “what a drag” or “what a hassle.” People often use this to describe a difficult or annoying situation.

Spanish in Costa Rica involves a lot of slang and understanding it is an essential part of immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture. These phrases may not be part of the standard Spanish vocabulary, but you will hear people using them across the country. If you use them, you can connect with locals and make your travels more enjoyable. Whether you’re ordering a birra, chilling in a chante, or just saying “pura vida,” you’ll be speaking like a true Tico in no time.