Speak Like a Local

At Smile Design Costa Rica, we want you to feel at home. Beyond world-class dental care, we invite you to experience Costa Rica’s unique culture and friendly expressions. Here’s a quick guide to speaking like a true tico:

Everyday Phrases

  • Pura vida → Pure life / All good
    Typical greeting that means “everything’s fine,” “hello,” “goodbye,” or “thank you.” More than words—it’s a way of life!

  • Mae → Dude / Bro / Guy
    Commonly used among friends, like saying “man” or “bro.”

  • Tuanis → Cool / Awesome
    Used when something is excellent or really good.

  • Diay → Well / So… / Umm…
    A filler word, often used like “so,” “well,” or “and?”

  • Qué chiva → How cool / Neat
    Said when something is impressive or nice.

  • Upe → Hello (used when arriving at someone’s home)
    A traditional and polite way of announcing yourself at the door.

  • Con gusto → You’re welcome
    The typical Costa Rican way to say “de nada.”

  • ¡Qué torta! → What a mess!
    Used when someone makes a mistake or something goes wrong.

On the Street or Traveling

  • Wachiman → Parking lot guard
    Person who watches over cars in exchange for a small tip.

  • Choza → House / Home
    Informal way to refer to a house.

  • Tico / Tica → Costa Rican man / woman
    Affectionate nickname Costa Ricans use for themselves.

  • Brete → Work / Job
    Informal word for “work.”

  • Rojo → ₡1,000 colones bill
    Nickname for the red-colored 1,000 CRC bill.

  • Teja → ₡100 colones / Block
    Means 100 colones, but also used to refer to a block’s distance.

Food & Drinks

  • Gallo Pinto → Rice and beans mix
    Typical breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onion, and spices.

  • Casado → Traditional lunch plate
    A classic dish with rice, beans, meat, plantain, and salad.

  • Fresco → Fresh juice / Natural drink
    Refreshing drink made with local fruits and water or milk.

  • Chifrijo → Rice & beans with pork
    Popular dish with rice, beans, pork cracklings, and pico de gallo.

  • Bocas → Appetizers / Bar snacks
    Small portions of food served with drinks.

Unique Expressions

  • “¡Está jaladísimo!” → That’s way over the top / unbelievable!

  • “Estoy hasta el copete.” → I’m fed up / I’m stuffed (depending on context).

  • “Ando chineado/a.” → I’m being spoiled / pampered.

  • “No doy la talla.” → I’m not up to it / I can’t handle this.

  • “¡Qué agüevado!” → What a drag! / How disappointing!

Learning a few of these phrases will not only make your trip more fun, it will also help you connect with locals on a deeper level.