What Language Is Spoken In Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s national language is Spanish, with the majority of the population speaking Spanish as their first language. Several Indigenous languages including Bribrí and Cabécar are still spoken by some Costa Ricans, but the primary language has widely become Spanish.
If you visit Costa Rica and don’t know any Spanish: don’t worry. Many people in Costa Rica speak and understand English well, so there’s no need to take a crash course before you head on vacation. However, it is always good to know a few basics in the language of the country you are going to, so don’t hesitate to learn a few common words and phrases.
Important Words & Phrases for Travel
If you are learning Spanish and want to know which words and phrases to focus on before your trip, start with these common phrases used frequently by and with tourists and visitors to Costa Rica:
- Good morning – Buenos días
- Good afternoon – Buenos tardes
- Good evening – Buenos noches
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Gracias
- Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto
- How much is it? – ¿Cuánto vale?
- Where is…? – ¿Dónde queda…?
