This is the second installment of a five-part series I have created to accompany my weekly newsletter where I share my personal archive of moments of joy Tuesday Tingle.
You can read the first one here: 5 | Foods Consumed in Costa Rica I Now Can’t Live Without.
Let me be transparent in saying that Spanish is not my second or even third language. It is however one of the languages I am now able to communicate in which was entirely driven by my incentive to learn. As in, I didn’t take it out of obligation in school. I took online classes on and off when it was available for the last decade (and have been on Duolingo since 2012!) but only really managed to stay consistent with coursework and solidify the foundations through 2020–2021. Call it distraction or escapism but I just needed something while working from home during a global pandemic that felt like it was just for me.
In January 2022, Costa Rica became the first Spanish-speaking country I visited. Since relocating, I’ve also added Nicaragua to my list of countries I’ve traveled to and am in the process of researching and creating travel itineraries for: Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama. Don’t even get me started on the South American travel wishlist, but yes, I want any and all recommendations I can get my hands on.
Anyway, these are some of the expressions/phrases/words that I hear repeatedly, are used both formally and informally, give me a chuckle, and I now use them unironically. They may or may not be specific to Costa Rica but I do believe my Spanglish is Costarricense influenced.
- A mí me fascina — it fascinates me, I am fascinated by this.
I love this phrase because there’s something so innocent about it. You are full of curiosity and wonder about something.
2. Le toca — it’s his/her/their turn (for something).
I most often hear and use this when something becomes someone else’s responsibility (or even my own). I am at fault sometimes for taking some things literally and therefore I do end up using this sarcastically.
3. Sí es tonto — this is silly, ridiculous, and can even be used as something that is indeed stupid.
There’s a specific rhythm to stating the phrase and it’s very much a “hmph” kind of sentiment. You’re lying in a hammock while being paid to work and your boss walks by? Sí es tonto!
4. Esta legal — got it, you got it, this is happening.
I don’t know, something about responding in agreement during a conversation with “legal” feels almost conspicuous and I was very confused about its use for a while.
5. Mae — yo, dude, that person.
I mentioned this in an earlier Tuesday Tingle from November; Mae, pronounced like “Mai” in “Mai Tai,” is a Costa Rican word equivalent to “bro”, or “dude” that is used excessively. It’s used towards anyone regardless of gender presentation.
I’m curious to hear if any of these resonate with any readers! Is there something you believe I may have omitted or can add to my vocabulary? Share with me, I’d love some feedback!
Links and other spaces I occupy on the web:
- Weekly newsletter via substack: Tuesday Tingle.
- Shimmy along with me to this playlist: Tuesday Tingle Tunes (Spotify).
- Capturing moments of joy over at CalmThyme.
- Puparazzi at LocalikeaLuna.
- Rants into the void via Twitter.
