If you are going to visit Costa Rica and you want to learn the local Spanish language, it’s easier than you think. In fact, for a basic vocabulary, two words are sufficient: pura vida.
Pura Vida means…
“Hello!”
“Goodbye”
“How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“Thank you.”
Once you enter the country you will notice really quickly that pura vida is the most important and characterizing expression for Ticos.
But where does it come from? The most widespread opinion is that it originated from a Mexican movie in 1956 named Clavillazo Pura Vida. Because of the popularity among the Costa Rican population the slogan of the film “Pura Vida” made its way to the Tico word pool. They started saying it everywhere and anytime.
Later hotels and tourism organizations adopted the phrase and utilized it to promote the country. The “everything is alright” expression got more and more common and eventually became the national slogan and motto of Tico life.
As soon as you get in touch with the vibe in Costa Rica you will realize that it’s more than just a phrase, it defines the lifestyle down here.
Pura Vida!
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