Once you arrive in Costa Rica, it won’t be long before you hear someone say “pura vida”. It’s one of the most common expressions in Costa Rican culture, and according to dictionaries, it has at least seven different uses. It’s used to say hello and goodbye. Pura vida is used as a description, a condition, and a philosophy. Saying “pura vida” can be an appropriate response to thank you, you’re welcome, how are you, how have you been, or to reply to a compliment. It can qualify a situation, object, or person or express admiration for such. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Spanish nomenclature. Where did the phrase come from? What does it mean? How does the pura vida concept influence daily life in Costa Rica?
Origin of Pura Vida
The Tico Times reports that the source of the signature Costa Rican phrase “pura vida”is not Costa Rican at all. Rather, it was derived from a 1956 Mexican movie titled Pura Vida! The film’s protagonist, Melquiades Ledezma, is expelled from his village for being the source of bad luck. Misfortune follows him until he gets a winning lottery ticket. Throughout the movie, the main character repeats the words "pura vida”, a statement of his optimism despite negative circumstances. The phrase gained popularity in Costa Rica in the 1980’s when the relative peace and wellbeing of Costa Rica were in sharp contrast with the turmoil in other Central American countries. By the 1990’s, pura vida had cemented its place in the Costa Rican culture.
What does Pura Vida Mean in English?
The literal translation of pura vida is “pure life”. In Spanish, the adjective “pura” (feminine) or “puro” (masculine) often means complete or total rather than referring to purity. Thus, the Costa Rican idiom pura vida extols the fullness or completeness of life. In essence, it expresses the feeling that life is good which sums up the average Tico’s optimism and easygoingness. “Pura Vida” expresses in two words the attitude, disposition, demeanor, and general positive outlook of most Costa Ricans.
Displays of Pura Vida
How is the pura vida philosophy manifest in everyday life? Ticos are well known for having one of the most inviting, outgoing, fun-loving, accepting, and generous cultures in all of Latin America, a region known for expressing all of these characteristics. Costa Rica, and in particular Guanacaste, has a very laid-back feel to it where stress is a thousand miles away and every day is good no matter what seems to be going on. This attitude prevails with just about every size and shape of Tico that you will run into, whether they are older or younger, or richer or poorer. They all seem to be very happy with their station in life and seem to try to enjoy it as much as possible on a day-to-day basis.
Enjoying life seems to be an overall priority for Ticos. Problems seem to be less problematic here when there is so much life to be enjoyed. Ticos don’t stress about the small stuff and they rarely get angry. Simple pleasures like spending a Sunday afternoon at the beach with the family or having a few cold drinks while watching a soccer game with friends are the things that life is about down here. It’s a good life, pure life, and the phrase sums up the Costa Rican experience and the people that help make up that experience perfectly.
Adjusting to Pura Vida
Many ex-pats are drawn to Costa Rica by the pura vida vibe. They want to get off the treadmill, destress, and enjoy life in fuller measure. Costa Rica provides a culture where that’s possible, even encouraged. However, what if you’re an A-type personality that’s always moving, doing, and getting things done? Life in Costa Rica may require an adjustment--a reevaluation of what’s most important. International residents have learned to loosen up their schedules, relax, and take things as they come. Successful transplants accept that the line is longer at the bank than where they lived before or that the person who promised to repair their house may not come exactly when he said he would. In pura vida culture, speed and efficiency are not as important as relationships and enjoying the experience. Ticos are committed to doing what they said they would, but not necessarily when they planned to do it. They are patient, and foreigners who develop similar patience get along just fine.
Enjoying Pura Vida
If you choose to live in Costa Rica, make the most of the pura vida lifestyle. Slow down, take your time, and put people ahead of efficiency. Living amidst the pura vida Ticos has its advantages. For example, after you’ve finished a meal in a restaurant, you can sit for hours without being asked to give up your table. There’s no hurry. Or if you stop to ask directions in your broken Spanish, a Tico will patiently listen and do his best to help you. And if you’re running late for an appointment? Or your car needs a repair? Or it rained when you were planning to go to the beach? It’s no big deal in Costa Rica. Life is good. Pura vida!