So, you’re coming to Costa Rica and concerned about speaking Spanish. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that Ticos (native Costa Ricans) are patient and welcoming with English speaking guests and residents. Making an effort will get you far here. And, speaking Spanish in Costa Rica is relatively easy to learn and fun to accomplish. We’ll help get you started.
Here are the top 20 most useful Spanish phrases for English speakers:
- Hola – Hello
- Gracias – Thank you
- Por favor – Please
- Lo siento – I’m sorry
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
- ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
- No comprendo – I don’t understand
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
- ¿Me ayuda, por favor? – Could you help me, please?
- Necesito ayuda – I need help
- ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
- ¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
- ¿Cómo te llamas? – What is your name?
- Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
- ¿Puedo tener la cuenta, por favor? – Can I have the bill, please?
- ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? – Can you repeat, please?
- ¿Qué significa…? – What does … mean?
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un buen restaurante? – Where can I find a good restaurant?
- Me gustaría un café, por favor – I would like a coffee, please
- ¿Puedo tomar una foto? – Can I take a picture?
These phrases cover basic greetings, expressing gratitude, asking for help, seeking directions and ordering in a restaurant. They will be useful for communicating in various situations while traveling or interacting with Spanish-speaking people. Pura Vida!
Costa Rican Expressions You Will Hear Every Day
Costa Rican Spanish has its own flavor. Learn these and you will sound like you have been here a while:
- Pura vida – literally “pure life.” Ticos use it for hello, goodbye, thank you and “all good.”
- Con mucho gusto – “with pleasure.” The usual reply when you say gracias.
- ¿Me regala…? – the polite way to ask for something in a shop or restaurant, as in “¿Me regala un café?” (Could I have a coffee?). You still pay for it.
- Mae – “dude” or “buddy,” used constantly between friends.
- Tuanis – “cool” or “great.”
- ¿Diay? – an all-purpose “well?” or “so?” that starts many sentences.
- Upe – called out at a gate or door to let people know you have arrived, since many homes do not have doorbells.
- Tico / Tica – a Costa Rican man or woman.
Use “Usted” and You Will Rarely Go Wrong
Spanish has a formal “you” (usted) and an informal one (tú). Many Costa Ricans use usted with almost everyone, including friends and family, so it is the safe choice in shops, offices and with your neighbors. Nobody will mind if you mix them up while you learn.
Spanish for House Hunting and Settling In
If you are buying or renting a home, these words come up again and again:
- ¿Está a la venta? – Is it for sale?
- ¿Cuánto es el alquiler por mes? – How much is the rent per month?
- Casa de playa / vista al mar – beach house / ocean view
- Terreno / lote – land / building lot
- Escritura – the property deed
- Abogado / notario – lawyer / notary. In Costa Rica the notary who records a property sale is always a lawyer.
- Registro Nacional – the National Registry, where property titles are recorded
- Luz, agua, internet – electricity, water, internet (the utilities you will set up first)
Read more about how ownership works in our guide to Costa Rica’s property laws for foreigners.
Directions, the Tico Way
Many Costa Rican addresses do not use street numbers. Directions are given from landmarks, such as “200 metros al norte de la iglesia” (200 meters north of the church). In town, every 100 meters is roughly one block, so that address means two blocks north of the church. Knowing norte, sur, este, oeste (north, south, east, west) and a la derecha / a la izquierda (to the right / to the left) goes a long way.
Planning a move? Our Costa Rica relocation guide for Americans covers residency, banking and settling in.
Flamingo Beach Realty is your go-to for information on relocating and finding the perfect home in Costa Rica. With combined experience of over 30 years, you can rely on us to make your transition to Costa Rica seamless. Get in touch with our team to learn more.
