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Understanding the Spanish media when talking about Coronavirus

April 19, 2020Special Articlescoronavirus, covid-19, health, pandemicChristopher Howard

Below are some terms translated from Spanish to help expats understand what local nespapers and television are saying about the pandemic.

  • Anticuerpos: Antibodies
  • Aislamiento obligatorio or forzado: Mandatory isolation
  • Asintomático: To show no symptoms
  • Autoaislamiento:
read more

To be very Happy

March 18, 2020Spanish phrasesChristopher Howard

  • Botarse: To spend a lot of money. Gastar mucho dinero means the same.
  • Chochosca: Money.
  • Como hormiga en popi: To be very happy.
  • Estar como agua para chocolate: To be boiling mad.
  • Estar limpio/a or pelado/a: To be out of money
read more

Costa Rican words with African roots

September 23, 2019Costa Rican Slang, Special ArticlesChristopher Howard

I was inspired to write this by an article I read in another publication about tiquismos (Costa Rican slang) that have African roots. Believe it or not, there are many words that are used here today that originated with African slaves and workers who arrived here in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many of these people worked on haciendas in read more

Coffee is called iodine in Costa Rica

August 12, 2019Costa Rican Slang, Spanish phrasesChristopher Howard

Atravesar el caballo: To change the subject in the middle of a conversation.

Cartucho: This word actually means a cartridge but in this case it is slang for the city of Cartago.

Chema: Is slang for a shirt 

Con el moco caído: To be sad

Con toda la pata: Perfect or great.

Cuero: A woman with a bad reputation. Cuero actually read more

When a frog grows hair

August 1, 2019VocabularyChristopher Howard

  • Achantado/a: lazy. Perezoso/a is a synonym.
  • Acois: Slang for “here.” Aquí and acá are the more common Spanish words for “here.”
  • Agarrar
read more

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Guide to Costa Rican Spanish

Christopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rica Spanish is an invaluable book for people who know Spanish as well as those who know only a few words. It includes a basic primer on Spanish pronunciation, theme-oriented vocabulary and phrasing, and many many idioms that can help you sound like a local right from the start.

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Costa Rica Spanish

This popular book has helped 1000s of people master the basics of using Spanish in real life situation."

As good as attending a Spanish school for beginners. Perfect for travellers and foreigners who live in Costa Rica. Correct pronunciation. NO tire some grammar. Useful everyday expressions. Proven natural method. Pocket size for travel. Guaranteed results.

"It must be pointed out that this book be considered a complete course in the Spanish language. However, with the regular practice of the pronunciation exercises and memorization of all the indispensable vocabulary and useful phrases, you should be able to communicate and handle most daily situations you will encounter in Costa Rica."

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