Naturally, Spanish is on the tips of everybody’s tongues but there’s more to Costa Rica’s language scene than meets the eye, er, ear. Get ready to meet the lively and rhythmic Jamaican Patois on the Caribbean coast. How about Maleku, Cabécar, and Bribri? These beautiful indigenous languages carry ancient stories and wisdom. So do the precious Buglere and Guaymi. So embrace the Costa Rican uplifting pura vida (pure life) and start breaking down those language barriers!
What language do they speak in Costa Rica?
The tropical paradise of Costa Rica is a vibrant mosaic of languages shaped by the country’s rich history. While Spanish dominates everywhere from bustling markets to serene beaches, the country’s official language is far from being the only one that shapes its diverse linguistic landscape. Luckily for tourists, English is common across the country. You might even hear people talking in French, Portuguese, or German here too.
Costa Rica’s official language
In Costa Rica, Spanish isn’t just the official language — it’s the life of the fiesta. Imagine trying to buy mangoes at the market and discovering ‘¿Cómo está?’ is your new best friend. On the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean, hearing pura vida is more common than sunscreen. Spanish isn’t just spoken here; it’s a way of life.
Besides going to Costa Rica to witness its many beauties first-hand, maybe you’ve considered learning a new language at a world-renowned Costa Rican Spanish school. Many people travel to the country because it offers some of the best Spanish language courses on the planet. Of course, the fact that you can practice your Hola! while exploring the jungle for wildlife and basking under the sun helps too.
Costa Rican Spanish phrases
If you’re trying to fit in, ‘Pleased to meet you, sir.’ isn’t going to cut it. How about: ‘Pura Vida!’ Now we’re talking. More about this beautiful greeting later.
Let’s start by learning some fun and common Spanish phrases the Costa Rican way. That’ll come in handy on one of our Costa Rica tours.
Mae Dude/bro
Chante Home
Qué Chiva Nice, cool, and pretty
Qué va No way
Jale Let’s go
Tuanis! Cool, awesome, and awe-inspiring. Use the word to describe your hard-working tour guide or the yummy local food you’ll try on your journey.
Tico/Tica Costa Rican. With these new phrases, you’ll surely make new Tico friends.
Upe Knock-knock. Is anyone there? You can shout this word instead of knocking when visiting someone’s home. You can also use it in stores if you’re looking for assistance.
Casado National dish made of rice, beans, veggies, and meat. When in doubt, eat a Casado. It’s always a safe choice!
Jalón A ride. You never know when you might need a lift.
¿Cómo está? How are you?
Estoy bien, gracias. I’m fine, thank you.
Diay Wow, gosh, what, uhm. An interjection often used to express surprise. It can also serve as a greeting and sometimes replaces words like ‘because’ and ‘what.’
Una cerveza, por favor One beer, please. Definitely the most important phrase on the list.
Pura Vida Translated into English as ‘pure life,’ this Costa Rican slogan symbolizes the joyous spirit of the country and its people. You can use it as a greeting instead of anything from ‘Hello, how are you?’ to ‘Goodbye, take care!’
Costa Rica’s indigenous languages
Five indigenous languages still battle for survival in Costa Rica up to this day. Here’s an interesting fact: all of them belong to the Chibcha language family which covers the Isthmo-Colombian cultural area.
Cabécar
Rich in cultural heritage and stories of the past, nearly 17,000 people still speak the Cabécar language. You can find them in the Talamanca region far from commerce and city life. The Cabécar are one of the most thriving indigenous communities in Costa Rica.
Maleku
Spoken by a tribe of 800 or so people who live in the Guatuso region in northern Costa Rica. Their language encompasses spiritual beliefs and old traditions kept alive by just under 800 people.
Bribri
Bribri language bridges a deep connection between the people and their land and heritage. The indigenous group from the southern Pacific region speaks and expresses their language through age-old oral traditions and myths.
Guaymí
Folklore and rituals passed on for generations run deep among the Ngäbere people of the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. Efforts to preserve their dying language, Guaymí, are on the rise.
Buglere
Some 3,000 people across Costa Rica and Panama still speak Buglere. You could describe the language as a tropical mix of words showcasing the nation’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit.
Learning a language in Costa Rica
Can’t wait to learn more about Costa Rica’s languages? The best solution is to travel there for a real-life lesson and interactions with local people throughout the country.
Visit indigenous territories
Costa Rica has several indigenous territories where you can immerse yourself in endangered languages and rich cultures. Hire a professional guide to lead you to the heart of indigenous settlements. Don’t worry – the people are friendly and warm-hearted and will gladly teach you more about their way of life.
Join a Costa Rica Spanish school
While in Costa Rica, you should also put your Spanish to the test. Look for a Spanish language school with great reviews and join a course. There’s no better way to learn a new language than in the company of friendly people (and monkeys who never stop chattering).
Engage with local communities
Homestays and community tours are nothing new in Costa Rica. They provide direct interaction and opportunities to hear and learn the language most authentically. Cultural workshops are also a nice option. Participate in workshops that focus on traditional crafts, cooking, and storytelling in the local language.
So — what are you waiting for then? Learning a language in Costa Rica is the ultimate blend of enjoyment and enrichment. By completely immersing yourself in the language and culture you’ll not only give yourself the best chance to learn, you’ll also discover more about the country’s unique way of life and make plenty of friends along the way.
