Pura vida is so uniquely Costa Rican that if you hear someone say it, you can be assured that they are either a Tico or they spent a significant amount of time living in Costa Rica. We had a wonderfully relaxing time. It’s great to know you liked Costa Rica so much that you decided to move here Would you share your website with us? I'm passionate about languages, cultures, photography and meeting people from different places. Featured photo credit: Ma.LiEs via photo pin cc. Pura Vida is so much more then just a phrase, it is their culture and way of life. Hopefully you’ll be back to Costa Rica sooner than you think, Melissa! The term Pura Vida even means “No, but that’s ok.” If you know anything about Costa Ricans, or Ticos, you have probably heard this phrase before. I’m glad you liked it! I loved the video too. –Pura vida, bye! Access hundreds of lesson plans, printables, realia, song activities and more! How’s it going? I plan on it next year. It’s a simple phrase that is used constantly in the country of Costa Rica. This expression gained popularity in the ‘70s because the words conveyed the states of happiness, peace, and tranquility which were, and still are, symbols of the liberty brought on by the country’s political stability. Nuria its an incredible job. -Do you know Maria? You’re welcome to Costa Rica anytime! I´m very proud to have someone as capable as a teacher. Used to say hi and to say bye, to say “I am fine” and to say someone is really nice “!Es Pura Vida!” it is state of mind that summarize the usual life enjoyment of Costa Ricans. SpanishDict is the world's largest online Spanish-English dictionary, translator, and reference tool. As the Costa Ricans (or Ticos) say when greeting you, “Pura Vida!” – which means “simple life” or “pure life” – it’s way of describing the local attitude and laid-back way of being here. ES “TODO VERDE” POR ALGO LA LLAMÉ LA SUIZA CENTROAMERICANA, SIN SABER QUE YA TAMBIÉN LA MENCIONABAN ASÍ. How are you? Honestly, the video has many important components that reminds us our priceless country. NO SÓLO ES PURA VIDA. I include my life in Costa Rica in my website which I just started building. It is a very meaningful word for us “ticos” (Costa Ricans) because it reminds us of home and its beauty. The phrase is so widely used in so many different contexts, that even if you showed up in Costa Rica knowing nothing outside of the phrase pura vida, you would surely fare quite well with the friendly Ticos. Additionally, Costa Rica and its mantra ‘!Pura Vida!’ played a tremendous role in my life. Don’t reply: “Fine”. We are going back in a few months for another run around and explore the Pacific Coast. This comes from a tendency to make things diminutive by adding the suffix -tico.. For example, the word for small is chico.In other Spanish-speaking countries, people may say chiquito, or literally “little small,” I guess. Nuria, great article and video! &, not to mention, they rank high in the happiness index………if there is such a thing! Muchas gracias sis, te echo mucho de menos también!! My dh and I spent a couple of weeks in Costa Rica two years ago. However, Pura Vida has a more ample signification than Vale. PURA VIDA: The Most Important Costa Rica Spanish Expression. Now I really want to visit Costa Rica Pura vida! -¡Nos vemos mañana! Since this exclamation has become so popular in Costa Rica throughout the years, it is now common to find different kinds of businesses named “Pura vida”. The world’s happiest country celebrates peace and freedom //-->. Happiness, well-being, conformity and satisfaction is what “Pura vida” reflects; it identifies a Costa Rican wherever he or she may be. Pura vida comes from a 1956 Mexican movie of the same name, where the lead character, played by Antonio Espino, keeps up a positive outlook on life, despite being terminally unlucky. OMG! After speaking with several Ticos (Costa Ricans), I’ve understood that while some businesses definitely milk it as a slogan, Pura Vida is still very much a philosophy that’s an inherent part of the country’s culture. Pura vida!! ¿Cómo vas? –Pura vida, and you? Pura vida, a characteristic Costa Rican phrase, literally means pure life, with connotations that suggest translations such as "full of life", "this is living! Carlos thinks the Costa Rican culture focuses on the well being of the employee instead of results. Greetings around the world, Picture Postcards: Snail mail in Costa Rica, The influence of body image in our society. Moreover, this poster can clearly explain to everyone what “Pura Vida” mean… Check out these 6 incredible things to do in Costa Rica on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Trafalgar. -¡Claro! I would also like to see the movie, I’m gonna look for it in the video stores here in Costa Rica…but it’s a really old film…mmmm, maybe we can try Amazon? More: The Costa Rican Colorful […], The world’s happiest country celebrates peace and freedom, What do Costa Ricans eat for breakfast? Just returned from Costa Rica and truly miss it already! If my life goals could be summed up into one phrase, it would probably be “Pura Vida”. Concerning the relaxed work culture, I would say Diana resumed it well with the pura vida. Costa Ricans started using the expression “pura vida” after the premier of a Mexican movie called “Pura Vida” in 1956. Costa Rica and the music make me happy. That’s the reason why “Pura vida” is even found in Costa Rican Spanish dictionaries. Read more: In the movie “Easy Rider”, one of the bit-charaters uses this phrase. It means “yeah, that’s great,” “right on,” “things are excellent,” “he’s/she’s a goodie,” and “Pura Vida, life is good,” in addition to just about any other upbeat exclamation you’d like to make. Estoy muy bien~ Te echo de menos mucho!! Costa Rica, pura vida!!!!!! ?Que pasa? The credits are at the end of it…and yes, it’s a great video, I love it! -Hey, Felipe! As the Urban Dictionary states, it’s a synonym of “hakuna matata” and reflects the relaxed lifestyle of Costa Ricans. I didn’t know the expression ‘pura vida’ before, but it is charming – nice to know that there are places where people are uncomplicatedly happy, unlike in western Europe where there is much cynicism, Thanks Robert! The people are the friendliest I have ever met. Thanks a lot Jack! I’m happy to know you like it here, hope you’ll keep coming back! I am really happy you liked Costa Rica that much, and I hope you come back soon! Costa Ricans use it … I’m glad you enjoyed being here, MissFootloose! Hope you come back soon!! But where did Costa Ricans take this phrase from? Kiss, hug or shake hands? Costa Rica is “pura vida”! When you say, hear or see 'Pura vida', the facial expression of the person changes and a smile is drawn on his face. Sean, I’ve never seen this movie but now I want to! Travelers to Costa Rica always notice how happy the Ticos are, and visitors often say … Here is something I wrote for those interested in learning more…. Keep living the “pura vida” wherever you are! lol Discover Escape to paradise and discover what it means to live the PURE LIFE. First for a vacation & the second for Spanish immersion. We rented a little house and rented a car and drove around in the Central Highlands. Pura Vida. It’d be nice to see it! Lol, again, happiness to you all and./…pura vida! 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