"Regalame"—The Word That Will Save You From Being a Giant, Impolite A-Hole in Costa Rica

"Regalame."

Pronounced ray-GAH-lah-may.

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WORD. Technically, the word in Spanish means "to gift something," but it has a whole different meaning when you're in Costa Rica—and ticos use it errrrday, all day. You know when they use it? When they are asking for something politely.

Regalame un momento, por favor.

Regalame el numero, por favor.

Regalame una cerveza, por favor. (And if you don't know "cerveza," we have more work to do than I thought!)

In English, it roughly translates into, "may I please have?" even though the literal translation is "gift me _______________."

But it's a lovely sentiment, isn't it? Asking for the gift of a beer. 😏

So this is a REALLY handy phrase for you to put into your pocket, because no matter what you say it in front of, you will seem like you are asking politely—and not being a rude, demanding tourist. That said, one word of warning: no where else in the Spanish-speaking world do they use this phrase for this! Once while traveling in Santiago, Chile, I ordered a coffee and said, "Regalame un latte, por favor." And the guy actually said to me, "Well, I can make you a latte, but I can't just gift it to you." And I was MORTIFIED. And then I stammered: Omg, no, ummm, I mean, Costa Rica, uhhhh, I mean, I *want* a latte? Please? And then I just looked like a verifiable mental patient.

You, on the other hand, will not look like a verifiable mental patient. Here in Costa Rica, you'll look like a person who has manners. And it'll make asking for things a whole lot less awkward—especially if you're asking for, I dunno, condoms. Asking for those is awkward enough. Then again, maybe that's a situation in which pointing?

Will do just fine.