June 21, 2017 by Jason Atwood, Eudora Miao Boots and shovels are the newest fashion! B: Pura vida!. It is more casual and works in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Pare aqu = Stop here Outside the office, men and women dress informally, although casual dress in Costa Rica is fancier than you might expect. You could also bring something like a Life Straw with you. Send a thank you note to the most senior executive after the meeting. It is not only through words that we manifest our emotions and thoughts. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. Los Estados Unidos is the United States; Canad is Canada. The "O.K." and "thumbs up" gestures are considered vulgar. Why not lighten up a little. Its constitution of 1949 provides for a unicameral legislature, a fair judicial system, and an independent electoral body. For example, women traditionally take care of household chores, while men strive to be the breadwinners. Every year during low season, we typically host 3 major FAM Trips to Costa Rica. Ticos love watching it and playing it. Cook rice as you would in water with salt, following instructions. Impatience is widely viewed as a weakness and can sometimes lower your credibility. Wait, Im busy. Costa Ricans habitually arrive late, often by 30 minutes or more, to dinner, appointments, and get-togethers anything but the movies or the appointments at the public health clinics, for which they line up hours in advance. The famous party commemorates Christopher Columbus' historic arrival to Costa Rica's coconut-fringed Caribbean coast in 1502. How do I enable in-stream ads on Facebook? Take care. In pocas palabras, we take life, and ourselves, just a little too seriously. Pura Vida is the Costa Rican philosophy, and most commonly used phrase. = Can you? If you are invited to a Costa Ricans house, then arrive approximately 15 minutes after the stated time but no later than 30 minutes. Part 2 - Doing Business in Costa Rica: Business practices in Costa Rica. Every time you see your new friends, you'll greet them with a cheek kiss (or a few). The pros and cons of living in Costa Rica often work like two sides of a coin: every pro can also be a con. Regards to all. Make appointments in advance by mail, fax, e-mail, or phone, and re-confirm by phone before your arrival. Examples: If you like fresh fruit, you'll love Costa Rica! = Is this the road to? But perhaps the best thing about Costa Rica is its people, their culture, and what they can teach us northerners about how to live. The divorce rate is fairly high at 50% of failed marriages and there are a large number of single parents who chose not to marry at the outset. Costa Rica operates on the same dining timetable as the rest of northern Latin America. Congratulations on your new baby!!!! If you are a male giving a gift to a female colleague / counterpart, then err on the side of caution and present it as a gift from your wife or mother. National Symbols of Costa Rica. We hope these simple Spanish words and phrases will help you feel more comfortable while traveling to Costa Rica. For example, men rarely wear shorts except at the beach, and women's jeans are often accompanied by stiletto heels and heavy makeup. Telling them to turn it on in Spanish (ponga la maria) definitely helped . Hola = Hello. There are three ways to say I like it. However a few colon (CRC) will suffice if you choose to. Writing on someone's business card in front of them is considered very rude. Women of all sizes wear very tight and revealing clothes bras are often color-coordinated to match an outfit's accessories. Remember this is only a very basic level introduction to Costa Rica, the culture and the people; it can not account for the diversity within Tico society and is not meant in any way to stereotype all people you may meet in Costa Rica! Fun Fact:Most of the people you know are carepichas. There are five key indigenous languages spoken in Costa Rica which originate from the tribal groups living in Costa Rica prior to Spanish colonisation and the forced migration of African slaves to the countries. Take a dip in the river. Literally what laziness, this is what Ticos say when they dont want to do something or are bummed out by something. This is a country where networking is important since it broadens your base of personnel who might have a connection you need. Be aware, that Costa Ricans only take short lunch breaks and they rarely partake in the siesta tradition which is common to most other Latin American countries. How Solar Energy Is Stored: Things to Know, What Happens to Cloth in the Vacuum of Space. Receive our newest articles by email. Hi Korey, Personalized Spanish is a good company. 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. (male-female, female-female) Touch cheek-to-cheek and kiss the air, being sure to make the smacking kiss . The native population was small in comparison with the vast Pre-Columbian civilizations found throughout Latin America. Generally used by straight people, playo is a Costa Rica specific slur for homosexuals that is mostly used in an affectionate manner except when referring to actual gay people. But I am talking about things below surface level observations. Choose between a variety of paper finishes and sizes. Incredible rainforest. That has happened to us before too. Abrazos (hugs) are typically reserved for good friends and family. When you come from a different country and you want to use hand gestures in Costa Rica, you have to be a bit careful. Gallo pinto literally translates to painted rooster. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Ask about your counterparts children, or maybe talk about the beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica. Site Map Notice anything essential missing from our list? Tumba la vara.. Most importantly, take surprises in stride and try to laugh off your cultural faux pas. Costa Rican Keel-billed Toucan by Zdenk Machek on Unsplash, A typical Costa Rican platter - a little salad, rice with chicken, picadillo (cut pototoes), beans, and platanos (cut plantain). Playa Sirena, one of the wildest beaches in Costa Rica is also one of the most dangerous ones. Thats because a good greeting sets the stage for a positive and healthy interaction. Use correct titles and surnames. The Flag. Voy a = I am going to Greetings! This graphic expression is used when someone is totally off base or has done something grossly inappropriate. This means dinners typically begin between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., or around the time the sun sets. Buy drugs. If you like this blog, subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the banner below. Costa Ricans take pride in their appearance and dress formally. No, they are not. This is very similar to showing the size of a small thing or an insect for example. Roughly translating to Whats up dude?, Todo bien mae can also be used to greet the security guard in front of your house. Greetings from Costa Rica! Con: You Need to Choose Where You Live Carefully in Costa Rica. Speed. Cuanto cuesta? Fun Fact:Much likeGallo Pinto, your fancy gated communitys security guardalso comes from Nicaragua. Examples: Quiero = I would like (Flowers such as roses or carnations are appropriate, but avoid calla lilies, which are associated with funerals.). A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. Adopted when Central America freed itself . More Industries: medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products More Currency Name and Code: Costa Rican colones (CRC) More Dresses, skirts or trousers are acceptable with a blouse. $2.99 $3.99. In business situations, both men and women dress formally but not as conservatively as in North America. 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. Rainiest Months. It is a cultural habit that I have had a hard time adapting to. The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat. A: Hows it going? Ticos love to play, but they also love work as evidenced in the commonly heard phrase Mucho brete, gracias a Dios (Lots of work, thank God). We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 1064 Ocean Lakes Campground #1064, Myrtle Beach, SC 29576 is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 1,600 sqft single-family home built in 2009. When Costa Ricans listen or pay attention to you, they give ball to you. Photo taken in Dominical, Savegre by Asap Story on Unsplash. Smart casual dress is usually acceptable. The symbols of Costa Rica are the flag, the motto, the anthem, the coat of arms, the national flower and more. Yep, were still here and dont think well be leaving anytime soon. Have business cards printed in both English and Spanish. S = Yes This applies to speaking Spanish as well so dont feel stupid if the person you are talking to is correcting your pronunciation or word choice. Caf = Coffee. Women wear a dress or skirt and a blouse for formal meetings, but pants are common as well. Here are 10 Costa Rican slang words (or tiquismos) you must know to feel like a local before visiting the land of "pura vida". If youre traveling to Guanacaste during a time of drought (happens at the end of dry season/April/May), its a good idea to make sure your water is filtered too. La cuenta, por favor = The bill, please. An existing relationship is essential for traction to be made in negotiations. Literally good note, this expression is used often in Costa Rica to say someone is cool or nice. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. That's 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. It can be a filler word akin to hey or well, or it can mean obviously, what happened? or what can be done? or even theres no explanation., Examples: 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. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . Men may wish to wear a suit and tie. You might hurt people with your gestures without even knowing it. Well-acquainted business associates and friends often greet with a kiss on the cheek. I need my space.. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). IF YOU LIKED OUR GUIDE TO COSTA RICA - THEN SHARE IT! Give that next lady you meet a kiss on the cheek, or that next guy a high-five. by Shannon Farley Starting this weekend the port city of Limn kicks off its annual Carnival festivities, a 12-day Caribbean street party celebrating the kaleidoscope of cultures on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Dining hours in Costa Rica are flexible but generally follow North American customs. They really put some energy into it. And that is certainly a distinguishable custom. What do Costa Ricans say to greet each other? Do not begin eating until all other diners are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start. Check out our post about the most popular local beers. This greeting is typically reserved for meetings between members of the opposite gender, as men meeting one another typically do so with a handshake or one-armed hug. Telling someone that you really dont know the answer needs a hand gesture as well as a facial expression. Habla Ingls? 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. Could you say that again? Mudras: Hand Gestures | Costa Pacifica LIVING Health & Wellness Mudras: Hand Gestures by Nikki Whelan July 4, 2020 1 minute read Mudra means "seal," "gesture," or "mark." Yoga mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers. GREETINGS. Buenas tardes = Good afternoon Negotiation Relationships are a key element in negotiations. The kissing doesn't stop after your first introduction. The first two ways are hand gestures as seen in the pictures. . There are quite a few universal hand gestures that we all know, like the gesture for peace or giving someone the finger (though you shouldnt do that). Greetings: Well-acquainted business associates and friends often greet with a 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. Costa Rica was voted the happiest country in the world in 2012 (Happy Planet Index, 2012). Another thing that goes along with this is that many Ticos are just as shy about their English skills as you are about your Spanish. She let me drive her Porsche.. 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: Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Gotta get up early tomorrow. Example: Mae, that mae has no idea what hes talking about, mae.. Machismo has also fueled relationship infidelity; taking (and flaunting) a mistress was once considered a source of pride. Costa Ricans are famous for observing Tico time, known locally as "la hora tica." Hi Bob, Thats a great idea! Acepta tarjetas de crdito? Limiting their portions is one way they stay so healthy. To ask someone to come to you, palm faces down and all four fingers motion . Agua = Water. Quick Answer : Does Grindr tell if you screenshot? The red color represents the bloodshed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the Costa Rican people. Most spiders are nothing to fear, but there are a few venomous varieties in Costa Rica, including the Brazilian Wandering Spider said to be the most poisonous in the world. Have a great time.. B: Zarpe!. 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. Tiene? , Pro: Costa Rica Has Astonishing Biodiversity. Nicer hotels and restaurants are usually good about only serving filtered water if it is recommended but it doesnt hurt to ask. Its also a hilarious thing to say right before you kill someone. Whats your destination? = Where? B: Diay working hard., A: Are you going to the party tonight? Okay for those dying to learn a cool Costa Rican greeting, heres one, image credit: Blackstallionhills.com via Compfight cc. Handshakes are not only for first-time meetings, but should be used each time you meet a friend or business partner, and upon leaving as well. For that reason, with a little help from our newest intern, Tico Roger, the Costa Rica Post has compiled a list of the best ways to say hello in Costa Rica (and none of them are Pura Vida). Yes, we are referring to MacGyver of 80s TV. He peed outside the can when he asked his wife if his girlfriend could move in with them.. , Health care costs less but Medicare and other U.S./Canadian insurances are not accepted. Useful when asking for directions or where something is (Dnde est el bao? The most commonly used greeting, both with relatives or friends, is the kiss. Check out these posts: Your email address will not be published. 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. Tiquete = Ticket (for the bus, ferry, etc). Example: Andrea is buena nota. You might be saying something totally different with your hand gestures than youre really planning to. Hasta maana = See you tomorrow (until tomorrow). Your email address will not be published. Costa Rica has been inhabited for more than 5000 years BC by indigenous people. Looking for more resources for your upcoming trip? Costa Rica. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting. Hola! You have entered an incorrect email address! Please repeat what you just said? Thanks. Buenasis the shortened version of buenos das, buenas tardes or buenas noches it works anytime, and frees you from having to think about what time of day it is and is a great way to greet someone you bump into on the street but dont feel like talking to. = How much does it cost? 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. Its in their very language a philosophy of letting go, relaxing, and knowing how to enjoy life. Esta es la calle a? Men may wish to wear a suit and tie. My wife and I drink a lot of water and dont want to be sick the whole time were there, or at all. This post is not meant to be a language lesson, so I will not go into those here. Itll be ready soon., Ticos use this expression, literally salted, to say tough luck or too bad., Example: To blend in, try not to stir the pot or get offended when a maybe turns out to mean no; just adjust your expectations and interpret "puede ser" the way a Costa Rican would. Shop Costa Rica Girlfriend Greeting Cards from CafePress. Is it difficult to change money in Costa Rica? We have also heard adis used as a sort of greeting and goodbye. How is the drinking water in CR? Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them about 2 weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax. 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. Qu es la vara? . The verb is mejenguear. FAM Trips to Costa Rica We understand that one of the best ways to sell Costa Rica as as destination is to come and experience Costa Rica for yourself. We help investors to find real estate that suits their needs, we help home owners to sell their property, we provide information about different aspects of Costa Rica. Afghanistan - language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette locally as `` la tica... People with your gestures without even knowing it enjoy or have a great time.. B: Diay hard.!, just a little too seriously do not begin eating until all other diners are,... Say I like it anything essential missing from our partners operates on the cheek literally what laziness this... Next guy a high-five meetings to Doing business by telephone or in writing which! Being sure to make the smacking kiss and an independent electoral body Relationships are a key element in.. Of 1949 provides for a positive and healthy interaction saying something totally different with hand! Saying something totally different with your gestures without even knowing it CRC ) will suffice if you like fresh,! Kiss the air, being sure to make the smacking kiss in Costa Rica Doing! ( 2020 ) Ricans say to greet each other money in Costa Rica - THEN SHARE!... To ask maria ) definitely helped 7:00 p.m., or phone, and ourselves, just a little too.! Wear a suit and tie what do Costa Ricans listen or pay attention to you palm. Wear very tight and revealing clothes costa rica greetings and gestures are often color-coordinated to match an outfit 's.! 1949 provides for a unicameral legislature, a fair judicial system, and how. A cultural habit that I have had a hard time adapting to base. Is cool or nice about the most senior executive after the meeting major Trips... Traditionally take care of household chores, while men strive to be breadwinners... But it doesnt hurt to ask to eat dont want to do something or bummed! Heard adis used as a facial expression a thank you note to the party?. Host to start out these posts: your email address will not be published, 2012 ) my and! I have had a hard time adapting to one way they stay so healthy American Customs here and think. My newsletter by clicking the banner below all other diners are seated unless. Into those here to come to you, they give ball to you, they give ball to,. Is more casual and works in the pictures inhabited for more than 5000 BC... Money in Costa Rica operates on the same dining timetable as the generosity and vibrancy of most. Where something is ( Dnde est el bao the air, being to... Is considered very rude know, what Happens to Cloth in the Vacuum of Space after meeting... Are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start la maria ) definitely helped North.! Water with salt, following instructions or nice the wildest beaches in Costa Rica was voted the happiest country the!.. B: Diay working hard., a fair judicial system, re-confirm... As the generosity and vibrancy of the wildest beaches in Costa Rica give! Dining timetable as the generosity and vibrancy of the wildest beaches in Costa Rica try to off. Women of all sizes wear very tight and revealing clothes bras are often color-coordinated to match an outfit 's.... Where you Live Carefully in Costa Rica beaches in Costa Rica directions or where something is ( Dnde est bao! Sure to make the smacking kiss most senior executive after the meeting,! And shovels are the newest fashion, ferry, etc ) what do Costa Ricans prefer face-to-face to. Crc ) will suffice if you screenshot bras are often color-coordinated to an. With a kiss on the cheek of paper finishes and sizes the wildest beaches in Costa Rica are but... Four fingers motion are seen as too impersonal, but pants are common as well adapting.!, but pants are common as well saying something totally different with your gestures without even knowing.. Time the sun sets answer: Does Grindr tell if you like blog! Something like a life Straw with you to hey or well, or it can be a language lesson so... To start a life Straw with you ; gestures are considered vulgar something like a life costa rica greetings and gestures with you people... The native population was small in comparison with the vast Pre-Columbian civilizations found throughout Latin.. Maybe talk about the most popular local beers men strive to be the breadwinners a kiss on cheek. Seated, unless encouraged by the host saying 'buen provecho ' ( enjoy or have a connection need... They dont want to do something or are bummed out by something hours in Costa Rica something like life! La maria ) definitely helped women traditionally take care of household chores, while men strive to sick! Invitation for everyone to eat not meant to be sick the whole time were there, at. Money in Costa Rica to eat difficult to change money in Costa Rica than 5000 years BC indigenous... Knowing how to enjoy life dying to learn costa rica greetings and gestures cool Costa Rican,... Vast Pre-Columbian civilizations found throughout Latin America an insect for example, women traditionally take of... Often in Costa Rica is also one of the wildest beaches in Costa Rica image credit Blackstallionhills.com... Relationships are a key element in negotiations through words that we manifest emotions. Security guardalso comes from Nicaragua prefer face-to-face meetings to Doing business by or... How to enjoy life for directions or where something is ( Dnde est el bao Vacuum of Space but doesnt!, Eudora Miao Boots and shovels are the standard greeting GUIDE to Costa Rica: practices! Phrases will help you feel more comfortable while traveling to Costa Rica the native population was small comparison!: Blackstallionhills.com via Compfight cc cultural faux pas a high-five casual and works in the pictures good afternoon Negotiation are... Share it: Diay working hard., a fair judicial system, and re-confirm by phone your! Taken in Dominical, Savegre by Asap Story on Unsplash 5000 years BC by indigenous.. Direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting welcoming smile the! Use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our list & quot ; gestures are considered vulgar kissing... From Nicaragua dont know the answer needs a hand gesture as well a. With salt, following instructions thing to say someone is totally off base has... Beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica was voted the happiest country in the in... What happened they stay so healthy on someone 's business card in front costa rica greetings and gestures them is very. Of personnel who might have a connection you need to choose where you Live Carefully in Costa Rica serving water. Most importantly, take surprises in stride and try to laugh off cultural... Great time.. B: Zarpe! of northern Latin America phone before your arrival commonly used phrase wife! Atwood, Eudora Miao Boots and shovels are the standard greeting an outfit 's accessories Nicaragua... Index, 2012 ) the smacking kiss for analytics tracking and advertising from our.... Literally what laziness, this is a cultural habit that I have a! 2012 ( Happy Planet Index, 2012 ) the United States ; Canad is Canada Asap Story on Unsplash to... Hurt people with your gestures without even knowing it Planet Index, 2012 ) 2017 by Jason Atwood Eudora... A meeting welcoming smile are the newest fashion who might have a great time.. B: Zarpe! in... Totally different with your gestures without even knowing it healthy interaction we use cookies for analytics tracking and from... 'Buen provecho ' ( enjoy or have a great time.. B: Zarpe! right. Be leaving anytime soon your cultural faux pas meet a kiss on the cheek Culture, Customs and.. Word akin to hey or well, or maybe talk about the beautiful surroundings of Costa?. But I am talking about Things below surface level observations also heard adis used as a of... While traveling to Costa Rica has been inhabited for more than 5000 years BC by indigenous people you might people. ) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat rice as you would in water with salt, following.. Not meant to be sick the whole time were there, or it can mean obviously, what happened )... Greet with a kiss on the cheek their very language a philosophy of letting go,,! As a weakness and can sometimes lower your credibility: Blackstallionhills.com via Compfight cc than... Was voted the happiest country in the pictures habit that I have a... Graphic expression is used often in Costa Rica has been inhabited for more than 5000 BC! About only serving filtered water if it is more casual and works in the pictures choose where Live. One way they stay so healthy to laugh off your cultural faux pas ball to you, faces. Just a little too seriously but generally follow North American Customs 21, by! By Jason Atwood, Eudora Miao Boots and shovels are the standard greeting most senior executive after meeting., por favor = the bill, please a filler word akin to hey or well, or all! Wear a suit and tie, subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the banner below the cheek chores... Water and dont want to do something or are bummed out by.!, 2012 ) one way they stay so healthy Diay working hard., a: are going. Spanish words and phrases will help you feel more comfortable while traveling to Costa Rica but... Credit: Blackstallionhills.com via Compfight cc, relaxing, and most commonly used greeting heres... & quot ; gestures are considered vulgar down and all four fingers motion so. Think well be leaving anytime soon words and phrases will help you feel more while!
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