As recently as 2023, the term pura vida finally entered the dictionary of the Real Academia Española, which defines the words and phrases used across the Spanish-speaking world. This particular expression was listed as specific to Costa Rica, where it has taken on many meanings over the last 70 years or so. The literal translation is “pure life,” of course, but to Ticos, as locals call themselves, pura vida is a way of saying “good,” “nice,” or “pleasant,” as well as “hello” and “goodbye,” and “yes, I agree,” and, sometimes, “whatever,” delivered with a carefree shrug.

Adopted from the title of a popular movie in 1956, pura vida has long since become a neat means of describing the Costa Rican national character and worldview. If it seems to suggest a certain healthiness and happiness, rec

See Full Page