Gracias
everyday, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica you say Gracias or Muchas gracias. Locals also answer thanks with Con mucho gusto and use Pura vida as a friendly all-purpose reply.
Meaning: expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Gracias | everyday, Costa Rica |
| Muchas gracias | warm |
| Pura vida | casual, Costa Rica |
Gracias works everywhere. After someone helps you, Con mucho gusto is the polite answer you will hear most often.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pura vida literally means "pure life". Costa Ricans use it for hello, goodbye, "all good" and "you are welcome", so it often follows thanks.
When do people say it?
Costa Ricans often use usted even with people they know well, so thanks tend to sound gentle and polite.
Did you know?
- Pura vida is so common in Costa Rica that it works as a greeting, a farewell and an answer to thanks.
Examples in context
- Muchas gracias por todo.Thank you very much for everything.
- Gracias, pura vida.Thanks, all good.
- Con mucho gusto, para servirle.My pleasure, happy to help.
Example conversation
Tourist Emma gets directions from a shopkeeper named Don Luis in San José.
- Emma¿Dónde queda la catedral?Where is the cathedral?
- Don LuisDos cuadras al norte.Two blocks north.
- EmmaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
- Don LuisCon mucho gusto. Pura vida.My pleasure. Take care.
