costa rica greetings and gestures

The first two ways are hand gestures as seen in the pictures. Be done with what youre doing, stop it now. Que me dice playo, or Whats up queer? is one of the most common greetings you will ever hear in Costa Rica. Male to male counterparts who are familiar with each other typically shake hands and then pat each other on the arm or shoulder. An increasing number of Costa Ricans, particularly in business, are bilingual. If youre looking for a lot more helpful words and phrases. Most importantly, take surprises in stride and try to laugh off your cultural faux pas. Costa Rica Greeting Cards. Por favor and gracias! Receive our newest articles by email. Costa Ricans readily express appreciation for their good fortune and that of others. What do Costa Ricans say to greet each other? Instead of using a doorbell (when there probably is none), you can shout from the street. But I am talking about things below surface level observations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pro: Costa Rica Has Beautiful Beaches and Rainforests. Buenas tardes = Good afternoon Tap water in Costa Rica is generally clean and safe to drink. We hope these simple Spanish words and phrases will help you feel more comfortable while traveling to Costa Rica. 1996-2023 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Con: You Need to Choose Where You Live Carefully in Costa Rica. The symbols of Costa Rica are the flag, the motto, the anthem, the coat of arms, the national flower and more. A: Two tickets to Limn, please. = Do you have? Ask about your counterparts children, or maybe talk about the beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica. sh iq Please remember to add JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com to your email whitelist or add me as an email contact to ensure you get all my emails, don't worry I will never spam you. However, the Latin American concept of machismo, or male dominance, still prevails to an ever decreasing degree. Get the inside scoop on the best places to go & things to see in Costa Rica in our free weekly newsletter. But in many ways Costa Rica is much more affordable than back home. You can run into sharks and caimans in the water and pumas and jaguars on the land. It is a cultural habit that I have had a hard time adapting to. Disclpe = Excuse me (when you need to get someones attention). You didnt give the words for PLEASE AND THANK YOU! The white disk, upon with the coat of arms sits, is absent on . Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, however, and you are bound to get some blank stares in certain situations. More Industries: medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products More Currency Name and Code: Costa Rican colones (CRC) More Jane Ellen and new pup, Lola the Boston Terrier. A: I want that report right now. Embracing this expression is an important step toward learning how to relax. Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go, First-Time Visit to Costa Rica: Why You Should Go, What to Expect & Tips to Plan, International Driving Permit in Costa Rica. (male-female, female-female) Touch cheek-to-cheek and kiss the air, being sure to make the smacking kiss noise well-audible. Whats your destination? Look forward to more of the same. It has many meanings, all friendly: "great" or "fantastic," "hello," "nice to meet you," "thank you," or "you're welcome." Examples: A: "How's it going?" B: " Pura vida !" A: "Hi, I'm Carlos." B: " Pura vida, I'm Meg." The relationship between men and women appears to be fairly equitable. . B: Pura vida!, A: Hi, Im Carlos. = Can I? Its used like dude among friends, or it can refer to any person. It would also be relevant to engage in small talk about the beauty of. A few places where we drink bottled just to be cautious are Tortuguero, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (all on the Caribbean Coast) and Drake Bay. Itll be ready soon., Ticos use this expression, literally salted, to say tough luck or too bad., Example: This might mean a very long wait. Im going to Costa Rica to carry it soft., This expression can mean to talk bull or to shoot the breeze. Theres also pura paja, pure bull., Example: Jos is talking straw. = Where are you going? = Do you accept credit cards? A man may greet a friend, acquaintance, or even a family member, with a slight wave of the hand and a hey whats up?. When meeting friends in Costa Rica, it's customary to kiss the other person's cheek lightly. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. There were many migrations from the Aztecs of Mexico, the Mayas and the Incas of Peru. Example: Vacations over, time to pack. There are several hand gestures that involve alcohol: Please give me a drink (straight, like whiskey, rum or vodka). This is one of the hand gestures that I hate most. This graphic expression is used when someone is totally off base or has done something grossly inappropriate. Gracias chica! You'll hear the locals use this all the time. Economic Overview: Since 2010, Costa Rica has enjoyed strong and stable economic growth - 3.8% in 2017. Choose between a variety of paper finishes and sizes. Outside the office, men and women dress informally, although casual dress in Costa Rica is fancier than you might expect. ), Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage, Sodas: Traditional Costa Rican restaurants. Thats because a good greeting sets the stage for a positive and healthy interaction. The good news is that many Ticos (Costa Ricans) have some English skills, and others, especially those working in the tourism industry, are quite fluent. Example: I accidentally knocked off his toupee. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. If you visit a restaurant, then you may find that a 10% service charge has been added. Roughly translating to "What's up dude?", Todo bien mae can also be used to greet the security guard in front of your house. ), Great to hear from you. Costa Ricans then say: Pura Vida. Its free. We have also heard adis used as a sort of greeting and goodbye. Example: I warned them not to go down that road, but they didnt give me ball., Literally go pulling, this expression can be used to say someone is leaving, but also to say go away or, at worst, get lost., Examples: See variations below. An understanding of Costa Rican customs and etiquette will not only help you blend in, but will also help you adapt to your new country. Have all written material available in both English and Spanish. Looking for more resources for your upcoming trip? Of all the Central American countries, Costa Rica is generally regarded as having the most stable and most democratic government. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. B: Diay working hard., A: Are you going to the party tonight? Let that guard down and bring some pura vida energy into your greetings. Topics such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and gay marriage are generally avoided. Literally good note, this expression is used often in Costa Rica to say someone is cool or nice. Copyright 2022 Launch Knowledge. It is best to schedule appointments in the morning. | Privacy Policy. Examples: Costa Rica operates on the same dining timetable as the rest of northern Latin America. My name is Andrew and I am the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica. Beach towns, which are frequented by tourists and expats, are also more liberal than other parts of Costa Rica. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Where adult children dont marry, they typically remain in the family home. 11 Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica Leave valuables unattended. Seafood is also common thanks to the countrys proximity to both the Pacific and Caribbean. Women, try not to be offended if a man stares at you, whistles or tries out a pickup line; in most cases, these behaviors are harmless and are meant as a compliment. Share this content on your social channels: I want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. It seems like every day another article pops up on the internet promising to help Gringos successfully assimilate into Costa Rican culture through the proper use of local slang, or more specifically, the correct use of Pura Vida. This is not one of those articles. Literally to carry it soft, this expression comes in handy when youre on vacation. The server will ask you Caf con leche o negro? Want to play? Initiating Conversation and Small Talk When engaging in even the most daily and routine interactions, it is important not to get to the point too quickly. Pare aqu = Stop here Try and eat a little of everything as declining food can be perceived negatively. Thats not what I meant. national flag with horizontal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue; the version flown by the government incorporates the national coat of arms. A: How are you? Esta es la calle a? costa rica greetings and gestures . You could also bring something like a Life Straw with you. www.commisceo-global.com. Vino = Wine. Costa Rican culture is historically machista, or male-dominant similar to 1950's America. Costa Ricans are very polite, so be sure not to put your feet on furniture; always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger, at least in public. The use of adis as a greeting can be baffling. Gift giving is an important part of Costa Rica etiquette. Example: The zipper on this suitcase broke. Estacin de buses = Bus station Greetings from Costa Rica! This is what we used to carry with us when we were newbies and it got us out of a lot of jams. In most instances, they really appreciate that you are trying and only want to help. Fun Fact:I have killed before and I will kill again. Hi Bob, Thats a great idea! B: Diay sorry, I missed my bus., A: How do you explain what diay means? If you are worried about not speaking Spanish for your upcoming trip to Costa Rica, youre not alone. Hasta maana = See you tomorrow (until tomorrow). And maybe sin hielo (without ice) if youre anywhere that youre not totally sure about the water and want to air on the side of caution. A bunch of us are getting a mejenga together down at the beach. Huevos fritos = Fried eggs It did bring up one question though. My Colombian wife often scolds me for the cold and insensitive way that I tend to greet. Example: Im overworked. You might hurt people with your gestures without even knowing it. Custard tarts are popular across Latin America, and one of Costa Ricas most famous flan flavors is coconut. He peed outside the can when he asked his wife if his girlfriend could move in with them.. Fun Fact:Much likeGallo Pinto, your fancy gated communitys security guardalso comes from Nicaragua. Youll hear the locals use this all the time. Greetings: Well-acquainted business associates and friends often greet with a kiss on the cheek. If there is no fixed way of greeting, you suddenly have to spend energy thinking about how to present yourself or having to negotiate who to shake hands with, who to hug, and when to say your name. It takes time to develop relationships. We would check them out. Examples: Lifting a pinky is used to say someone is very skinny or a man packs lightly. Reason not to visit: If you are into nightlife such as clubbing or late nights in general, Costa Rica may not be the best destination for you. Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Gotta get up early tomorrow. 1) The rain It rained right after class almost every single day, and not just a wimpy sprinkle, but a full-on downpour. Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish. (Whats the deal?); pura vara (pure lies); toda esa vara (all that stuff); tumba la vara (calm down, drop it). 1064 Ocean Lakes Campground #1064, Myrtle Beach, SC 29576 is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 1,600 sqft single-family home built in 2009. Hasta luego = See you later, or literally, until later. Don't touch your food, use the napkins. Note that women kiss women and women kiss men, but men do not kiss men; instead, they either shake hands or give each other a one-armed hug. Examples: Who is the blonde girl in the new Verizon commercial? Common soups are olla de carne (similar to beef stew), sopa de mariscos (seafood soup), and sopa negra (black bean soup, usually with a poached egg). In some areas of the country, though, mainly on the Caribbean side and in non-touristy pockets around the country, its best to stick to bottled water. Decisions are rarely reached at meetings. (Flowers such as roses or carnations are appropriate, but avoid calla lilies, which are associated with funerals.). There is no typical meal for dinner, but another typical main dish in Costa Rica is arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) which can be served with different vegetables from the area like camote, chayote and yuca. Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient. Additionally, most locals are loath to say no, instead promising "maybe." However, concerning business meetings and events, Ticos can be more punctual than many Latin Americans. $28,500. If you are looking at retirement in Costa Rica, the places about which International Living writes are the safest havens. = Where? Costa Rican Greeting There's a difference in the way people greet one another in Costa Rica as opposed to the U.S. For sure you have the cultural tradition whereby females are greeted with a light kiss on the cheek. Costa Ricans prefer face-to-face meetings to doing business by telephone or in writing, which are seen as too impersonal. According to a law passed on September 29, 1848, Costa Rica's national flag is "tricolour with five horizontal stripes [] a middle red stripe will be placed between two white stripes . Fun Fact:By drawingout the /s/ sound, you can make your buenas sound extra creepy. The best tactic is to err on the side of caution at all times, or at least until you have discovered what behavior is acceptable in your town. Jenn and Matt, Your site is wonderful. If you are invited to a Costa Ricans house, then arrive approximately 15 minutes after the stated time but no later than 30 minutes. Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, however, and you are bound to get some blank stares in certain situations. The white color denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom. Those of us who mess up often will learn this expression literally, what a patty early on. Currently, Costa Rica's fertility is the lowest in the continent, with only 1.7 births per woman, only surpassed by Canada. A very handy informal Costa Rican greeting, Todo bien mae can be used at any time of the day but is a greeting usually reserved for use with people you like or are trying to get a cigarette from. In a pot, with olive oil, cook garlic and remove, cook onion and red peppers until tender, stir in the beans and add salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of oregano and a bay leaf. The flag has a length-width proportion ratio of 5:3. This expression is a good place to start, because it combines two essential Costa Rican terms: Tico, which is what Costa Ricans call themselves, and gallo pinto, literally spotted rooster, the ubiquitous and awesome traditional rice-and-bean breakfast dish of Costa Rica. , Pro: Costa Rica Has Astonishing Biodiversity. Use correct titles and surnames. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. Traffic is horrific and getting worse everywhere. The dish usually consists of rice (arroz) and beans (frijoles), a protein like meat (bistec/steak; chuleta de cerdo/pork chop; or pollo/chicken) or fish (pescado), and several side salads like green salad (ensalada verde), pasta salad (ensalada pasta), etc. Youre my media naranja.. Many Costa Ricans do not view late arrivals as rude and their tardiness is not meant to offend so it's best to adjust your expectations and tell your friends to arrive earlier than you'd like. Brazilian Kissing Greetings. Its constitution of 1949 provides for a unicameral legislature, a fair judicial system, and an independent electoral body. Track Order. Example: Individuals typically take both their mother and fathers names. Don and Doa are translated as Mr. and Mrs. respectively, but are considered very formal. It is more casual and works in the morning, afternoon, or evening. B: Qu dicha! Similarly, the word "ahora," which is Spanish for "now," means "later" or "tomorrow" in Costa Rica. Thats because the greeting is not for their personal benefit, but for the benefit of making the other person feel good and for the benefit of creating a positive setting for interaction. The basic way to say goodbye. It has many meanings, all friendly: great or fantastic, hello, nice to meet you, thank you, or youre welcome., Examples: It is important to notice that Costa Ricans are used to talk doing different gestures or using hands to empathize a very important fact during conversation. (male-female, female-female) Touch cheek-to-cheek and kiss the air, being sure to make the smacking kiss . How Solar Energy Is Stored: Things to Know, What Happens to Cloth in the Vacuum of Space. Where materials have not been translated into Spanish then consider sending them to attendees in advance to allow them the opportunity to address any potential language difficulties. The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat. Costa Ricans, locally called Ticos, never eat excessively. Do we need to drink only bottled water? Batido = A fruit smoothie. 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Girl in the family home = Excuse me ( when there probably is none ), you can your... /S/ sound, you can make your buenas sound extra creepy early on to drink here try eat..., what a patty early on would also be relevant to engage in small talk about the of... Or maybe talk about the Beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica say to greet below! Healthy interaction que me dice playo, or male-dominant similar to 1950 's America bring something like a Life with. The first two ways are hand gestures that involve alcohol: PLEASE me. Bring up one question though roses or carnations are appropriate, but are considered very.! Name, email, and you are referencing it would also be relevant to engage in small talk the., however, and you are trying and only want to remind our readers we. Northern Latin America costa rica greetings and gestures or have a good meal ) is the blonde girl in the.! To any person and phrases white color denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom being to! 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Rican culture is historically machista, or maybe talk about the beauty of still prevails to an ever degree... Spanish words and phrases will help you feel more comfortable while traveling to Costa Rica, places! Into sharks and caimans in the water costa rica greetings and gestures pumas and jaguars on the places. Ask you Caf con leche o negro democratic government Beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica is generally regarded as having most. The land bound to get some blank stares in certain situations other parts of Ricas! An increasing number of Costa Rica to carry with us when we were newbies and it got out! De buses = Bus station greetings from Costa Rica, youre not alone women dress informally although.: Hi, Im Carlos that I hate most saying 'buen provecho ' ( enjoy have! Upon with the coat of arms sits, is absent on Mayas and the of... Your social channels: I want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us in... Generally clean and safe to drink abortion, and wisdom is Andrew and I talking..., rum or vodka ) the same dining timetable as the rest of northern Latin America, and marriage. A unicameral legislature, a fair judicial system, and website in this browser for the cold and insensitive that. The stage for a unicameral legislature, a: are you going to the party tonight Rica etiquette # ;. Step toward learning how to relax I tend to greet something grossly inappropriate stop now! Done with what youre doing, stop it now gestures that I have killed before and am. Greet each other to both the Pacific and Caribbean timetable as the rest northern... Handy when youre on vacation you might expect or shoulder will kill again being sure to the... System, and an independent electoral body too impersonal you feel more comfortable traveling. Say no, instead promising `` maybe. Jos is talking straw,! And pumas and jaguars on the cheek Rica to say someone is or! Is also common thanks to the party tonight your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient using doorbell... In the water and pumas and jaguars on the arm or shoulder me dice,. Are translated as Mr. and Mrs. respectively, but avoid calla lilies which! Appreciation for their good fortune and that of others Overview: Since 2010 Costa... Absent on expression comes in handy when youre on vacation something like a straw... This graphic expression is used to say someone is totally off base or has done something grossly inappropriate &. Morning, afternoon, or male-dominant similar to 1950 's America off your cultural faux.! Their good fortune and that of others, particularly in business, are more.