💱🤲

How to Say ‘Keep the change.’ in Italian

Tenga pure il resto.

TEN-gah POO-reh eel Res-toh

[TEN-gah POO-reh eel Res-toh]

🇮🇹 In Italy: Taxi tips aren't expected in Italy. Rounding up to the nearest euro or two is the usual friendly gesture.

Phrase Breakdown

Tenga pure

TEN-gah POO-reh

Please keep

'Tenga' is the formal command of 'tenere' (to keep). 'Pure' softens it, like 'go ahead'. Say it 'TEN-ga POO-re'.

Example

Tenga pure la penna.

Go ahead and keep the pen.

Words in this phrase

Tenga

[TEN-gah]

keep

Formal imperative of 'tenere' (to keep/hold), used politely with Lei.

Example

Tenga la ricevuta, per favore.

Keep the receipt, please.

pure

[POO-reh]

go ahead / feel free

Used to encourage someone politely, as in go ahead, feel free to speak.

Example

Parla pure, ti ascolto.

Go ahead, I’m listening.

il resto.

eel Res-toh

the change.

'Resto' here means the change from a payment. Say it 'REH-sto'.

Example

Ecco il resto.

Here's your change.

Words in this phrase

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

resto

[Res-toh]

Change

The money returned to someone as the balance after paying with more than the exact amount.

Example

Il resto del pagamento è cinque euro.

The change from the payment is five euros.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer