What does it mean word for word?
The name Costa Rica literally translates to 'Rich Coast'.
Which one should you use?
While Costa Rica is the standard name, there are several variations depending on the context. La República de Costa Rica is the full official name, and La nación costarricense refers specifically to the Costa Rican nation. In informal settings, people might use the abbreviation CR or the term Ticolandia.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tiquicia is a colloquial term used specifically by Costa Ricans to refer to their own country, and Ticolandia is an informal way to refer to the country used among locals.
How does it change in a sentence?
The demonym for a person from Costa Rica is costarricense, and the plural form for Costa Ricans is costarricenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkosta ˈrika/
When do people say it?
Costa Ricans use the colloquial term Tiquicia to refer to their country.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word costar means 'to cost', but the costa in Costa Rica is unrelated to money. It is derived from the Latin word for 'rib', describing the way a coastline curves like a ribcage.
- While 'Rich Coast' is the literal meaning, the name was actually given by explorers who mistakenly believed the area was abundant in gold.
- Costa Ricans often use the phrase Pura Vida as a greeting, a farewell and a general expression of well-being. It has become so central to the national identity that it functions as an unofficial motto for the country.
Examples in context
- Alberto es de Costa Rica. Es costarricense.Alberto is from Costa Rica. He is Costa Rican.This sentence is useful for identifying where Alberto is from using the form Costa Rica.Tatoeba #1110361 by alexmarcelo, translation #1110360 by frpzzd
- Adriana es de Costa Rica. Es costarricense.Adriana is from Costa Rica. She is Costa Rican.This sentence is useful for identifying where Adriana is from using the form Costa Rica.Tatoeba #1110365 by alexmarcelo, translation #1110364 by tchrspet1
- Costa Rica es considerado uno de los 20 países con mayor biodiversidad, posee un 4% del total de las especies estimadas a nivel mundial.Costa Rica is considered one of the top 20 most biodiverse countries, containing 4% of the total estimated species worldwide.This sentence provides information about the biodiversity of the country using the form Costa Rica.Tatoeba #750319 by ariel, translation #13637602 by araneo
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their travel plans.
- DanielQuiero ir a Costa Rica este verano.I want to go to Costa Rica this summer.
- María¡Qué bien! Yo he estado en Costa Rica.That's great! I have been to Costa Rica.
- Daniel¿Te gustó Costa Rica, María?Did you like Costa Rica, María?
- MaríaSí, Costa Rica es un país hermoso.Yes, Costa Rica is a beautiful country.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “costa rica” translations and entries Costa Rica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Costa, costa, rica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
