Often times when traveling abroad, it’s not enough to speak the local language in order to feel like you’re really communicating with native speakers. That’s why we’ve put together this list of Costa Rican slang (or jerga tica) to help foreigners get around a little easier, and with less confusion, in our querida Costa Rica!

Ahorita—could mean right now, in a minute or in a little while

Agua dulce—a drink made with natural cane sugar

Boca—snack or appetizer

Buenas!—basic greeting; short for “bueno/as dias/tardes/noches”

Buena nota—cool; excellent

Cabina—a room, especially in a hotel

Carro—car (‘coche’ is not used in Costa Rica)

Casado—a plate of typical food

Chunche—thing or stuff

Como amaneció?—literally “how did you wake up?” Used to ask how one is doing in the morning.

Con (mucho) gusto—you’re (very) welcome

Con permiso—excuse me

Gaseosa—carbonated soft drink

La bomba—gas station

La lancha—ferry boat

Los servicios—toilets

Macho/a—person with light hair or skin, or both

Mae–“dude” or “man”, usually used by men to address other men

Me caye bien/me caye mal—I like him/her/it or I don’t like him/her/it

Paño—bath towel

Por dicha—luckily

Pulpería—corner store

Pura vida—literally “pure life”. Can be used as a greeting or a farewell. Also is understood as a response to “how are you?” Response: “Pura vida!”

Que dicha!—that’s great/fantastic!

Que pereza!—so boring; “tener pereza” is used to mean one is feeling lazy or apathetic

Suave—wait a second

Tico/a—affectionate term for Costa Rican natives

Tuanis!—very cool

Una teja—one hundred of anything; used also to indicate a street block, which is 100 meters

Upe!—what people say to see if anyone is home at a closed door rather than knocking

Vacilón—something funny or curious