Most people in tourism speak at least some English. However, Costa Rican are proud of their language and will be happy if you try to speak Spanish.
Yes – Si No – No Of course – Claro Fine – Bien I need… – Necesito… Please – Por favor Thank you – Gracias You’re welcome – De nada / Mucho gusto
A table for two, three, four – Una mesa para dos, tres, cuatro Do you have an English menu? – ¿Tiene un menu en ingles? I would like…. – Para mi (menu item name), por favor.
Fill it with regular (gas) please – Lleno con regular, por favor Could you clean the windshield? – ¿Podría limpiar el parabrisas?
Can you help me? – ¿Puede ayudarme? How do I get to …? – ¿Como llego a…? Where is the nearest gas station? – ¿Dónde está la gasolinera más cercana I am lost – Estoy perdido
I would like to buy this – Lo voy a comprar How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta? Do you accept dollars? – ¿Aceptan dólares? Do you accept credit cards? – ¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito?
The free Google Translate app is great to have on your phone. It has a feature in which you can speak into the app in English and it will translate it by voice into Spanish.
Looking for more info on language in Costa Rica? Swipe up for the complete Spanish phrase guide