Tico Words
Our way of thinking characterizes us, but also the way we speak. Here you can find the meaning of some of the most popular words in Costa Rica.
A
A cachete
adv. phr. colloq. CR.
In abundance or in great quantity; It can also mean that something is very good or excellent.
Example: "The party was a cachete.”
Al chile
adv. phr. colloq. CR.
Expression meaning ‘seriously?’ or ‘really?’
Example: “Al chile? I can’t believe it!”
B
Birra
fem. colloq. CR.
Beer. Alcoholic beverage made by fermenting barley and other cereal grains and flavored with hops.
Example: “Let’s grab a birra this weekend.”
Bomba
(gas station)
fem. colloq. CR.
Gas station. Place where gasoline, diesel and other fuels are sold.
Example: “I’m going to la bomba to fill up.”
Bomba
(rime)
fem. colloq. CR.
A popular expression typical of the Guanacaste area; it is a form of improvised, humorous or picaresque oral poetry, recited or sung at festive events.
Example: “Bomba! I was born in Guanacaste, with pride and tradition, under blue skies I did play, long live my nation!”
Brete
masc. colloq. CR.
Work or employment. Activity performed in exchange for a salary.
Example: “I have a thing today with colleagues from my brete.”
C
Chante
masc. colloq. CR.
Word referring to an establishment, place or residence.
Example: “Let’s watch the game at Michael’s chante.”
Campo
masc. colloq. CR.
Vacant space or place.
Example: “I saved you a campo next to me at the concert.”
Carga
adj. colloq. CR.
Expression used to describe an outstanding person.
Example: “Silvia is extremely carga!”
Chance
masc. colloq. CR.
Expression used to ask for more time to do something.
Example: “Give me a chance to explain it to you.”
Chepe
masc. colloq. CR.
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
Example: “I’m going to Chepe this weekend.”
Chiva
adj. colloq. CR.
Nice, impressive or attractive. Used to describe something that causes admiration or is pleasing.
Example: “Your new bike is so chiva!”
Chunche
masc. colloq. CR.
Word used for an object when the exact name is unknown or forgotten.
Example: “Hand me that chunche over there on the table.”
Cleta
fem. colloq. CR.
Bicycle. A vehicle with two wheels and propelled by pedals.
Example: “Bruno rides his cleta to work every day.”
Compas
masc. & fem. colloq.
CR. Friends, companions.
Example: “My compas threw me a birthday party.”
Con Gusto
adv. phr. colloq. CR.
Polite phrase used to express willingness or pleasure when doing something for someone.
Example: “Thank you for your help!” – “Con gusto.”
D
Diay
interj. colloq. CR.
Expression used to denote surprise, questioning or as a filler word in a conversation.
Example: “Diay! What happened?”
G
Gallo Pinto
masc. colloq. CR.
Typical Costa Rican dish of rice and beans mixed and cooked together.
Example: “We had gallo pinto for breakfast today.”
Garúa
fem. colloq. CR.
Light rain or drizzle.
Example: “A garúa is falling.”
Goma
fem. colloq. CR.
Hangover; unpleasant feeling after drinking too much alcohol.
Example: “I have a terrible goma.”
Guácala
interj. colloq. CR.
Expression of dislike or disgust.
Example: “Guácala! This place is so dirty.”
Güila
masc. & fem. colloq. CR.
Used to refer informally to a young person.
Example: “That güila is so mischievous.”
J
Jalar
v.i. colloq. CR.
To leave a place; to abandon one place to go to another.
Example: “What time do you plan to jalar today?
Jugo
masc. colloq. CR.
Drink made by squeezing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Example: “Orange jugo sounds so good right now!”
M
María
fem. colloq. CR.
Instrument used by taxis to calculate the final amount owed for the trip.
Example: “How much does the maría say I owe?”
Mae
masc. & fem. colloq. CR.
Used informally to refer to someone like a friend or another person in general.
Example: “Mae, how did it go on the exam?”
Me regala
v expr. colloq. CR.
Expression used to ask for something that is not necessarily free.
Example: “Me regala coffee, please?”
O
Ocupar
v. colloq. CR.
Word used as a synonym of ‘to need’.
Example: “Ocupo help with my homework.”
P
Pele el ojo
expr. colloq. CR.
To be attentive or to pay attention to what is happening around you.
Example: “Pele el ojo when you cross the street.”
Por dicha
(Qué dicha)
adv. phr. colloq. CR.
Phase used to express delight when something goes right.
Example: “Por dicha it didn’t rain during the event!”
Presa
fem. colloq. CR.
Word used to refer to traffic or congestion of vehicles.
Example: “I hit presa on my way to Nacho’s.”
Pulpería
em. colloq. CR.
Small commercial establishment that sells a variety of basic products.
Example: “I’m going to the pulpería to buy a drink.”
Pura vida
(greeting)
adj. phr. colloq. CR.
Used to say “hello” or “goodbye” in a casual, friendly way.
Example: “Pura vida! How are you?” / “See you tomorrow, Dani, pura vida!”
Pura vida
(gratitude)
adj. phr. colloq. CR.
Used to express gratitude.
Example: “Thank you for your help, pura vida!”
Pura vida
(well-being)
adj. phr. colloq. CR.
Used to indicate that one is doing well or is happy.
Example: “How are you?” – “Pura vida!”
Pura vida
(filosophy)
adj. phr. colloq. CR.
A way of life that is optimistic and at peace, always focusing on the positive.
Example: “In Costa Rica, the people live a 'pura vida' philosophy, always seeing the positive side of things.”
R
Rajado
adj. colloq. CR.
Word used to describe something incredible, amazing or impressive, that causes admiration or surprise.
Example: “The size of that volcano is rajado!”
T
Tata
masc. colloq. CR.
Dad, father. Used to refer to the male progenitor in a loving, informal way.
Example: “My tata always gives good advice.”
Teja
(persona)
fem. colloq. CR.
Word used to refer to a friendly, agreeable person.
Example: “Amanda is a teja!”
Teja
(moneda)
fem. colloq. CR.
Word used to refer to the 100-colon coin; an abbreviated, colloquial way to refer to that specific amount of money.
Tico
masc. & fem. colloq.
Demonym used to refer to a person from Costa Rica.
Example: “Ticos are very kind to foreigners.”
Tuanis
adj. colloq. CR.
Nice, cool; used to describe something that is good or is fine.
Example: “The party was tuanis.”
U
Un Rojo
masc. colloq. CR.
Expression used to refer to a thousand-colon bill.
Example: “Can you loan me un rojo?”
V
Vacilón
masc. colloq. CR.
Amusement, entertainment or something fun.
Example: “What vacilón the joke Ricardo just told!”
Y
Yodo
masc. colloq. CR.
Word used as a synonym for coffee.
Example: “After lunch, I always enjoy a good yodo.”
