Costa Rica “Pura Vida” – What Is It?

Every once in a while someone asks me why the Costa Ricans – the ‘Ticos’ – pepper their conversations with the words; “Poor Evita!”

If you live here, you’ve heard people joke about “Poor Evita!” However, since many of our readers do not live in Costa Rica, indeed many have never visited but dream of doing so, let me state categorically that:

They are not saying “Poor Evita!”



‘Evita’ was not Costa Rican, ‘Evita’ was an Argentinian actress whose full name was Maria Eva Duarte de Peron and she did have a fascinating life story.

But what the Ticos are actually saying is “Pura Vida” which literally means “Pure Life” but like many words in Costa Rica, it has dozens of other meanings depending on the age and social class of the person.

“Pura Vida” nearly always refers to something positive, joyous
or beautiful.

In the street, you might hear a young man say “Esta mujer es pura vida!”

Meaning; “That woman is very attractive.” You will also hear people greet one another with the “Pura Vida” which is more like “Is everything great?”

All I know is that I love the “Pura Vida” living in Costa Rica.

Welcome to your new home of stunning scenery, sunshine and smiles!

Scott Oliver – Founder

WeLoveCostaRica.com

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.