Category Archives: Spanish phrases

Start Speaking Today! Learn essential phrases, cultural insights and travel tips that you can find in our Guide to Costa Rican Spanish…

Popular Costa Rican expressions that have stood the test of time (Part 2)

Hacer algo sin chistar: to do something silently Ir de paracaidista: to crash a party or not be invited La delicadeza no rima con franqueza: at times the truth is not sweet. Le dicen caldo de riel: a miserly or cheap person Más vieja que la maña de pedir fiado: To be very old Mover cielo y tierra: To do the imposible to obtain something Ningunear a alguien: to treat someone as if they were insignificant No caga para que los zopilotes no coman: to be a miser or cheapskate (vulgar) No hay mal que dure 100 años ni cuerpo que lo resista: all bad things will pass No hizo ni culo: to not do anything or accomplish anything (vulgar) No tener rabo que le majen: to not give anyone a reason to criticize you Ojo al Cristo y mano a la chuspa: be careful with your money Paga los platos rotos: to be responsible or pay for something that someone else did Para el santo que es, con un repique basta: someone who is undeserving of your attention ¿Para qué quiere agua la laguna?: Why do rich people want more money? Pelarse el rabo: to do something badly or poorly Perder hacha calabaza y miel: to lose everything Poner los pies en polvorosa: to flee

Popular Costa Rican expressions that have stood the test of time (Part 1)

Andar chiroteando  – to run around freely or playfully Andar muy catrineado – to be well dressed or spiffy Barco parado no gana flete – If you do not work, you do not get paid Cuando se agota  el pozo es cuando se conoce lo que vale el agua – When you run out of or lose something , you realize how valuable it is. Echarse un mechazo – To drink  liquor in big gulps. El hambre hace salir a la loba del bosque – Necessity makes people take risks. El que no tiene de dinga tiene de mandinga – Everyone has defects or shortcomings  El que se va para Virilla pierde la silla – Don’t let you guard down or to stay alert

Es mejor una gota fija que un chaparrón read more