When folks visit Costa Rica they often hear a phrase that may sound unfamiliar, even to those who know a little Spanish.
That phrase is “Pura Vida” (pronounced as POO-rah VEE-dah) and can be viewed as the Costa Rican “national motto.” In fact, if you made an inquiry about one of our Costa Rica vacation designs, you probably received an email from me that ended using the phrase!
Literally translated it means “Pure Life.”
Contextually, it means “Full of Life,” “Purified life,” “This is living!,” or “Going great!”
Although, Costa Rica has no officially designated national motto, if you asked a tico what it might be, “Pura Vida” is the likely response. No other country in Latin America uses this expression. It is unique to Costa Rica.
According to Wikipedia, Costa Ricans started using the expression after the Mexican movie Pura Vida!, which premiered on February 29th 1956 (director: Gilberto Martínez Solares). During that time only a small portion of the population used it.
But by 1970 everyone was using the expression on a daily basis because the words conveyed the state of happiness, peace, and tranquility that political stability and freedom bring to Costa Ricans.
Even Tim Ferriss of 4-Hour Work Week fame uses it on a regular basis.
Pura Vida is a word that is very significant and meaningful to Costa Ricans. Basically, it is a “cultural identifier” and signifies what it means to be a tico. The phrase has become widely known in the USA and Europe, due to Costa Rica’s having become a popular tourist destination for those countries.
Although, some foreigners may view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness, the Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.
Pura Vida is used in a wide variety of contexts such as “I am doing alright”, “I’m doing perfect” and even “Thank you.”
As an expat, one sure way to win your way into the hearts and minds of the ticos is to learn the proper usage of the phrase and then actually use it, frequently. I have noticed that as a gringo, if I use Pura Vida I generally get a big smile in return. It is an acknowledgment of the Costa Rican attitude towards life and it is good to show that you are on the same page with them.
Here are some ways to use “Pura Vida” correctly…..
To Greet Someone….
When you see someone on the streets, shake hands, or just to say hello you would say, “Pura Vida!” In fact, the phrase can be used as a substitute for “Hi,” “Hello,” “How are you doing?” and/ or “What’s going on?”
To Say Good-bye….
When you leave a place, you want to say good bye, you could also simply say, “Pura Vida.”
To Show Appreciation (for a person, object or situation)….
If you want to express that a situation, object, or situation is great, cool, abundant, joy, and/or fun. You would say something or someone is Pura Vida. “Usted es Pura Vida!” means you are AOK.
Got it…not too complicated, ey? Perhaps the easiest Spanish language lesson you’ll ever receive..
Costa Rica is Pura Vida!
Next lesson…Mae.
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