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Published on February 3, 2026

Basic Spanish Phrases for Travelers in Costa Rica

Embarking on an adventure to Costa Rica is an exciting prospect, promising lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife. While many Ticos (Costa Ricans) in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will significantly enrich your travel experience and help you connect more deeply with the local culture.

Why Learn a Little Spanish for Your Costa Rican Trip?

Costa Rica is famous for its "Pura Vida" philosophy, a lifestyle of simple happiness, well-being, and a relaxed pace. While English is spoken in many tourist hubs, especially in popular destinations like Arenal Volcano National Park or Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, venturing off the beaten path or engaging with locals often requires a grasp of Spanish. Knowing even a few key phrases demonstrates respect and can open doors to more authentic interactions, from ordering at a local "soda" (small restaurant) to asking for directions to a hidden gem like Catarata del Toro.

Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions

Starting with polite greetings is fundamental in any culture. Costa Ricans are known for their warmth, and a simple "hola" goes a long way.

  • Hola(OH-lah) – Hello
  • Buenos días(BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs) – Good morning (used until noon)
  • Buenas tardes(BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs) – Good afternoon/evening (used from noon until dark)
  • Buenas noches(BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs) – Good evening/night (used after dark or when saying goodbye for the night)
  • Por favor(por fah-VOHR) – Please
  • Gracias(GRAH-see-ahs) – Thank you
  • De nada(deh NAH-dah) – You're welcome
  • Permiso(pehr-MEE-soh) – Excuse me (when passing through a crowd)
  • Disculpe / Perdón(dees-KOOL-peh / pehr-DOHN) – Excuse me / Sorry (to apologize or get attention)
  • Sí(SEE) – Yes
  • No(NOH) – No

Basic Introductions

Engaging in simple conversation can lead to memorable encounters, whether you're chatting with a local guide at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve or a vendor in a market.

  • ¿Cómo está? / ¿Qué tal?(KOH-moh es-TAH / KEH tahl) – How are you?
  • Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?(MWEE bee-EHN, GRAH-see-ahs. EE oos-TED) – Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)
  • Me llamo [Your Name](meh YAH-moh) – My name is [Your Name]
  • ¿Cómo se llama?(KOH-moh seh YAH-mah) – What is your name? (formal)
  • Mucho gusto(MOO-choh GOOS-toh) – Nice to meet you

Getting Around and Asking for Directions

Navigating Costa Rica can be an adventure in itself. Roads can be winding, and signs may be sparse. Knowing how to ask for directions will be invaluable, whether you're looking for Tabacon Hot Springs or the nearest bus stop.

  • ¿Dónde está [place]?(DOHN-deh es-TAH) – Where is [place]? (e.g., ¿Dónde está el baño? - Where is the bathroom?)
  • ¿Cómo llego a [place]?(KOH-moh YEH-goh ah) – How do I get to [place]? (e.g., ¿Cómo llego a La Fortuna Waterfall?)
  • Izquierda(ees-kee-EHR-dah) – Left
  • Derecha(deh-REH-chah) – Right
  • Recto / Todo recto(REHK-toh / TOH-doh REHK-toh) – Straight / All straight
  • Aquí(ah-KEE) – Here
  • Allí / Allá(ah-YEE / ah-YAH) – There / Over there
  • Cerca(SEHR-kah) – Near
  • Lejos(LEH-hohs) – Far
  • El autobús(el ah-oo-toh-BOOS) – The bus
  • El taxi(el TAHK-see) – The taxi

Travel Tip:Costa Ricans often give directions using landmarks rather than street names or numbers, as many places don't have formal addresses. Don't be surprised if you're told to turn "200 meters north of the church."

Dining and Ordering Food

Costa Rican cuisine is a delightful experience, from fresh seafood on Santa Teresa Beach to traditional casado in a local "soda." Being able to order and express your preferences will make your meals even more enjoyable.

  • Una mesa para [number], por favor.(OO-nah MEH-sah pah-rah, por fah-VOHR) – A table for [number], please.
  • El menú, por favor.(el meh-NOO, por fah-VOHR) – The menu, please.
  • Quiero... / Me gustaría...(kee-EH-roh / meh goos-tah-REE-ah) – I want... / I would like...
  • Agua(AH-gwah) – Water
  • Café(kah-FEH) – Coffee
  • Cerveza(sehr-VEH-sah) – Beer
  • La cuenta, por favor.(lah KWEN-tah, por fah-VOHR) – The bill, please.
  • Delicioso(deh-lee-see-OH-soh) – Delicious
  • Soy vegetariano/a(soy veh-heh-tah-ree-AH-noh/nah) – I am vegetarian (male/female)
  • Tengo alergia a [ingredient](TEN-goh ah-LEHR-hee-ah ah) – I have an allergy to [ingredient]

Fun Fact:A "soda" in Costa Rica is a small, informal restaurant serving traditional, home-style meals at affordable prices. Look for them to experience authentic Costa Rican flavors likeGallo Pinto(rice and beans) andCasado(a plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish).

Emergencies and Asking for Help

While we hope your trip is smooth, knowing how to ask for help in an emergency is crucial for any traveler. Whether you're in a busy area like Jaco Beach or exploring remote Corcovado National Park, these phrases can be lifesavers.

  • ¡Ayuda!(ah-YOO-dah) – Help!
  • Necesito un médico.(neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh) – I need a doctor.
  • ¿Dónde está el hospital?(DOHN-deh es-TAH el ohs-pee-TAHL) – Where is the hospital?
  • Estoy perdido/a.(es-TOY pehr-DEE-doh/dah) – I am lost (male/female).
  • No entiendo.(NOH en-tee-EN-doh) – I don't understand.
  • ¿Puede repetir, por favor?(PWEH-deh reh-peh-TEER, por fah-VOHR) – Can you repeat, please?
  • ¿Habla inglés?(AH-blah een-GLEHS) – Do you speak English?

Connecting with Nature and Wildlife

Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with incredible flora and fauna. Learning a few words related to nature can enhance your wildlife spotting experiences, whether you're at Tortuguero National Park or La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.

  • Animales(ah-nee-MAH-lehs) – Animals
  • Pájaros(PAH-hah-rohs) – Birds
  • Monos(MOH-nohs) – Monkeys
  • Perezosos(peh-reh-SOH-sohs) – Sloths
  • Mariposas(mah-ree-POH-sahs) – Butterflies
  • ¿Qué es esto?(KEH es ES-toh) – What is this?
  • Hermoso/a(ehr-MOH-soh/sah) – Beautiful (male/female)

Embracing "Pura Vida"

You’ll hear "Pura Vida" everywhere in Costa Rica, and it’s more than just a phrase – it's a way of life. It literally means "pure life," but its usage is incredibly versatile.

  • As a greeting: "Hola, Pura Vida!"
  • As a farewell: "Chao, Pura Vida!"
  • To express "everything is great" or "no worries": "¿Cómo estás? ¡Pura Vida!"
  • To convey gratitude or satisfaction: "¡Pura Vida!"

Embrace this phrase and use it often. It's a wonderful way to connect with the local spirit and show your appreciation for the relaxed, joyful Costa Rican culture.

Tips for Learning and Practicing

Don't feel overwhelmed! Even a few words can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you practice:

  1. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes:Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.
  2. Start Small:Focus on greetings and essential courtesy phrases first.
  3. Listen Actively:Pay attention to how locals speak and try to imitate their rhythm and intonation.
  4. Use a Phrasebook or App:Keep a small phrasebook or a translation app handy for quick look-ups.
  5. Practice Daily:Even a few minutes of practice each day before your trip can build confidence.
  6. Engage with Locals:Try out your new phrases when ordering food, asking for directions to Poás Volcano, or simply striking up a conversation.

Conclusion

While English will get you by in many tourist-heavy areas of Costa Rica, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will undoubtedly enrich your journey. It's an opportunity to show respect for the local culture, foster deeper connections with Ticos, and truly immerse yourself in the vibrant "Pura Vida" lifestyle. So pack your bags, practice your "Hola," and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!