Lexi-tico: ¿Cómo amaneció?

¿COMO AMANECIÓ? (ko-mo a-ma-ne-sio)

This expression is used in both Costa Rica and Mexico and, with a very slight variation, in Spain as well (¿Cómo ha amanecido?).

Most Costa Ricans are known for being friendly and polite and this extends to the language. If you were born in Costa Rica or have lived with us for some time now then this may sound familiar to you. In particular, if happen to live in the countryside and your neighbors are Costa Ricans over 40-50 years old) you have probably heard them greet you this way in the morning.

They will ask you: ¿Cómo amaneció? This greeting is a Tico’s way of saying “good morning” to you and asking how you slept or, more literally, how you woke up. When using this expression, people are addressing you in a formal manner, as amaneció is the past form of amanecer, and, in this case, it is used with the single formal form of the pronoun “you” (Usted).

Normally, when responding to someone greeting you with Cómo amaneció, you would say one of two things: “¡Pura vida, gracias!” (Pura vida, thanks!) and “¡Muy bien, gracias a Dios!”* (Very well, thank God).

*Gracias a Dios: This is usually used by religious people, as can be inferred.