pura vida
/puɾa bida/from spelling rules
pura vida is the Spanish phrase for pure life.
The phrase pura vida is translated loosely as "pure life." It is a colloquial expression used in casual social interactions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective pura (pure) and the noun vida (life).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It is a colloquial expression used in casual social interactions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
pura vida is most strongly associated with Costa Rica.
Did you know?
- While it means 'pure life', a Costa Rican might use pura vida to mean 'hello', 'goodbye', 'you are welcome', or even 'everything is fine'. It functions more as a versatile social lubricant than a literal description of life.
- The phrase can be used as an adjective to describe a person who is easygoing or genuine, such as saying someone is muy pura vida.
- The phrase reflects the 'Tico' philosophy of optimism and minimalism, emphasizing a stress-free approach to life and a focus on nature.
Examples in context
- ¡Pura vida, amigo!Pura vida, friend!
- Todo está pura vida por aquí.Everything is great around here.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena meet at a beach cafe.
- Javier¡Hola, Elena! ¿Cómo va todo?Hello, Elena! How is everything going?
- Elena¡Pura vida, Javier! Todo muy bien.Pura vida, Javier! Everything is very good.
- JavierMe alegra mucho escuchar eso.I am very happy to hear that.
- Elena¡Gracias! ¿Y tú?Thanks! And you?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
