Costa Rica Spanish Language

If you’ve traveled to other Spanish-speaking countries, you’re probably aware that each had its own accent, as well as a set of particular idioms, slang and exclamations.  Some of the most noticeable Costa Rica’s Spanish particularities are the following:

• Costa Rican speakers do not pronounce the letter “r” as is done in most Spanish-speaking countries.  They pronounce it as an approximant consonant as is done in English.
•  Costa Ricans do not lisp their c's and z's the way Spaniards do.
• "Usted" is the dominant second person singular pronoun in Costa Rican Spanish, while "Vos" is the second person singular pronoun used by many speakers in certain "familiar" relationships or informal contexts.  "Tú" is not used in Costa Rican Spanish.

Costa Rica’s Spanish is an extremely dynamic language, full of unique sayings, which they call "Tiquismos".  Some of the most common Tiquismos, words and phrases endemic to the Costa Rica Spanish language, are the following:

• Tico: A Costa Rican man; plural (Ticos), Costa Rican people
• Tica: A Costa Rican woman
• Macho/Macha: Blond (male/female)
• Pura Vida: Literally, pure life; full of life; perfect
• Tipico: Native-style, i.e. Comida Tipica (traditional food)
• Soda: A basic Costa Rican café
• Pulperia: Corner store
• Salado: Too bad!
• Buena Nota: Cool or all right
• Boca: Literally, mouth; A small appetizer
• Mae: A guy
• Chunche: Thing
• Grosero: Rude
• Guila: A Kid
• Saludos: Greetings
• Diay: Hello! What’s new?
• Jumo: Drunk
• Goma: Literally, glue; hangover

Apart from the so-called ‘Tiquismos’, Costa Rican Spanish is not difficult to understand.  As most Spanish in Latin America, it is very polite and sometimes formal.  Some important words to learn, in order to keep up with the politeness are: "Gracias" (thank you), "Por favor" (please), "Buenos días" (good morning).

If you’re planning on learning Spanish, Costa Rica is a great place to do so, as Ticos speak more slowly and clearly than in other countries.
There several language schools in Costa Rica. Most of them are located in the Metropolitan Area, but you can also find Spanish schools in other main cities and towns throughout the country. Schools such as Instituto de Cultura y Lengua  Costarricense (ICLC) in Alajuela and Costa Rica Language Academy in San José, offer special Spanish programs, which include Spanish lessons, accommodations and tours throughout the country.