The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica is Pura Vida.
Everything in Costa Rica is Pura Vida! The simple translation is Pura Life; but the saying has a far more profound meaning to people of Costa Rica, and the travelers who fall in love with this majestic country.
The first time I was explained the meaning of Pura Vida, I was enjoying dinner with one of my new friends Sage at Bruno’s restaurant in Tamarindo. Sage lived in Costa Rica a couple months each year to teach surf lessons at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp; he spoke Spanish fluently and was familiar with the local customs and lingo. Sage, “Pura Vida was first explained to me like this”, ‘Only here for a short time, so spread some cheer; and then your gone’. This ungrammatically correct sentence immediately struck a chord in my heart. The bank tellers, the restaurant servers, street vendors will all greet you with this saying; as well as say good-bye. In my short stay, a month that flew by, I couldn’t hear or say this beautiful statement enough. I was simply a Pura Vida addict. Pure Life; how simple and wonderful of a statement to live by.
The all knowing wikipedia has the following translation. Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “Full of Life” “Purified life”, “This is living!”, “Going great!” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. The phrase has become widely known in the USA and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.”
I was curious to find out the exact origins of the word, and I googled upon this article about it’s origin by Tony Cousins. “Indeed, the most credible origin of the word is that it developed from the interaction between the surfing pioneers of the mid 1950’s and the local Costa Ricans (or Ticos) they encountered. Whatever it’s beginnings there is no doubting that it has become part of the vernacular and Costa Ricans claim it to belong to pachuco, a slang or common speech somewhat removed from Spanish and very particular to Ticos. Used as a greeting, a goodbye, sometimes as an agreement, this versatile phrase, often shortened to a brief pura, signifies something deeper to Costa Ricans. It embodies a philosophy in which communal ties are strong and close; difficulties are overcome with a resilient and happy spirit, where life is enjoyed leisurely and to the full, and where fortune of whatever size is heartily celebrated.” http://www.costaricaholiday.co.uk/News/Pura.htm
If you have never been to Costa Rica, you may hear this statement, but you will never feel this statement: not until you’re relaxing on the beach watching the sunset and feeling content that everyone who walks by gives you the acknowledgement of a smile, nod, or a Pura Vida. That is one little thing that I will always miss about Costa Rica, and may never understand about North America, the simple hello’s from people passing by. We’re all here on this earth together as one human race. So please spread some Pura Vida and cheer before you’re gone and bring some joy to the lives of others. Even a simple hello can bring light to a gloomy soul. One love and Pura Vida forever…
[...] Blog of the Day Award after only two weeks of publication. In the spirit of my favorite saying “Pura Vida”; celebrate good fortune, whether small or large. It was a little omen that brougtht a big [...]
As someone who has recently visited not only the touristy places as shown as your pictures, but also the poorest regions to provide medical relief, I think it’s important to realize that much of the population of Costa Rica is not sitting on a beach saying Pura Vida, but living in poverty in dirty tin shacks. The fact that they say it has shown me that Pura Vida is about appreciating what you have in your life, no matter how little it may be. It is inspiring to me so see how they stay optimistic despite their circumstances. Pura Vida therefore, reminds me of how much there is to be thankful for. It’s something I hope to always carry with me when my life gets hard, because it will never be as hard as theirs.
Pura Vida!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you
Amazing
i tattooed it on my body because i am so sexy
i read your article; and im so thankful you recieved the same message from costa rica i did. nobody in north america will ever understand the power and meaning of a simple phrase. PURA VIDA!
In the interests of a fair and balanced picture of Costa Rica…
Has anyone who left comments spent any real time in Costa Rica? I’ve traveled to this country 2 to 5 times a year since 1998 and spent at least 4 months a year here since 2006, before deciding to make it my year-round home last year,
“Anonymous” in March 2009 – where were you? I honestly haven’t seen those conditions here. Tell me where they exist, I’d be willing to help – and I do appreciate the fact that you’ve given your time and talent to help.
Yes, I’ve seen some homes, stores, etc which were cobbled together from scraps of wood; THEY had tin roofs. Tin roofs, or corrugated metal roofs, are normal here, however, because this is a warm climate , they go on quickly and inexpensively and there isn’t the necessity for insulation.
Plus the heavy roof tiles which are also widely used here are so heavy that, if there’s an earthquake, they are much more likely to hurt an occupant than a piece of tin would. I live in a large 2 story home with US amenities; it has a white-painted corrugated metal roof for reasons of safety and economy, and because I live at 3,200 ft elevation within an area that gets tremors.
I’ve seen poverty here, but none worse than in Appalachia, some of the Caribbean islands, the rural homes in China and urban slums in several other countries I’ve visited.. At least in Costa Rica there’s access to education and “caja” medical care, the churches actively help the poor. Generally, the poor here are better fed, and they don’t have to battle the cold, but do face the heat and insects. Yes, there are needs which aren’t being met, notably people who live in isolated places, many of whom do so because of their cultural heritage or traditions.
Costa Ricans enjoy longer life spans than most “first world” countries with an average life expectancy of 78.8 years for the total population and 81.2 years for girls.
we’re here in costa rica now. amen! pura vida!
costa rica is a beautiful place and so could the US if we all spread some pura vida
kudos to you, great explanation
I agree with Shirley. I think Costa Rican people have a better way of living then people in other countries.
I was in Costa Rica for 7 days and had a wonderful time. I visited Ciudad Quezada, Santa Clara (San Carlos), San Ramon, Playa Conchal, La Fortuna, Arenal and other places. Not only is Costa Rica a beautiful country, but its people is even more beautiful! We stayed at Paradisus Playa Conchal resort for 3 days and the service was phenomenal!
Pura Vida is an expression I fell in love with while I was in Costa Rica. I have now adopted this phrase in my daily life.
Pura Vida!
I’ve just come back form a month in CR and am hating England! The Pura Vida way of life is amazing! Absolutly beautiful country and people! Every single taxi ride I took, the taxi driver would stop off randomly on the side of the road, make us all get out and point at a few monkeys swinging in the trees, or a crazy spider that the web is used to make bulletproof vest out of! These people do this everyday and arn’t getting paid any extra for it, but just want you to see and expeirence their beautiful country! Who cares if it adds on a couple of mins to your journey, Pura Vida is the way to live your life!
Hello to everyone!
I’m a greatful tico, I say greatful because I’m reading everything you guys post, and it really goes to my heart. Sometimes we never stop and realize how lucky we costaricans are, as we don’t have the worries of other countries.
It is funny the way the phrase Pura Vida is interpreted by you, as for us is an usual word that is in our daily speak, we use it with a bunch of meanings, and not only for the surf ride, like aloha.
Anyway, I’ll like to send you all a very warm PURA VIDA! and for those who came once, please please please, come back, as we welcome you again.
Pura Vida!
Hey very great blog!! Man .. Wonderful .. Astounding .. I will bookmark your weblog and get the feeds
also…
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Costa Rica. In all my travels, I have never encountered a more wonderful country or people. Their philosphy on life and government has much to inspire. The world be a better place if it were to adopt the Costa Rican life view. “Pura Vida!” is now my motto.
I love this phrase. It means so much in two simple words, and the meaning is the biggest one there is.
Just returned from a trip to Costa Rica – from San Jose to Arenal, La Fortuna,
Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Conchal, Liberia……and lots of points in between.
(And yes we rented a car and drove ourselves – it’s the only way to truly experience
this spectacular country and people)
PURA VIDA!
Two such simple words that express so much……
wish we in the States could have such a feeling of pride and togetherness and
welcome and peace and happiness……
I can’t wait to go back to Costa Rica….so much more to explore….and I’ll say it
again – it’s such a good feeling in your heart and soul -
PURA VIDA
I’m Costa Rica…Have lived in this country for almost my entired life. I am happy to read this article and the comments. I makes my even more proud of my country that I aleady was!
PV a todos!
costa rica is the best!! i love you costa
pura vida!!!!!!!
My wife and I were in Guanacaste, CR two weeks ago. Although we only got to see in and around Arenal Lake, Liberia, Coco Beach, The Riu etc., we thoroughly enjoyed where ever we went in our surroundings, and of course the people (Ticos) that we met. Costa Rica is a wonderful country, and it’s people are marvelous! I’m still thinking of moving to Costa Rica, but of course, I don’t think I can sell my house here in the states…Lol! Also, it would take a tremendous effort to get the wife to move there and be away from the grandkids…Lol! All I can say is: “Pura Vida”
Dear Readers,
As a Honduran-American living in Boston, I’d wish my fatherland Honduras could say Pura Vida!
I tell Costa Rica that I admire and respect them because they have sought peace and education.
Hopefully one day in my both countries, the US and Honduras, we can learn from Costa Rica and say Buena Vida or Good Life based on the Costa Rican values of joy, peace and harmony.
I have never been to Costa Rica, but I would sure love to be part of your Pura Vida!
Best Regards,
Alberto Serrano