Keep the change
in SpanishAsí está bien
/ah-SEE ehs-TAH bee-EHN/
While not a literal word-for-word translation, this is the most natural and common way to tell someone to keep the change in almost any situation. It literally means 'It's fine like that.'
A simple hand gesture combined with 'Así está bien' is the universal way to tell someone to keep the change.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Quédese con el cambio
/KEH-deh-seh kohn el KAHM-bee-oh/
The direct, polite translation. Use this with people you treat with respect (using 'usted'), like older taxi drivers or servers.
Quédate con el cambio
/KEH-dah-teh kohn el KAHM-bee-oh/
The informal version of the direct translation. Use this with peers or in casual settings.
Así déjalo
/ah-SEE DEH-hah-loh/
Means 'leave it like that.' A slightly more casual command than 'Así está bien.'
Es propina
/ehs proh-PEE-nah/
Literally 'It is a tip.' This removes any ambiguity.
Quédese con la vuelta
/KEH-deh-seh kohn lah VWEL-tah/
Uses the regional word 'vuelta' instead of 'cambio' for the change returned.
Para el café
/PAH-rah el kah-FEH/
A friendly idiom meaning 'for a coffee.' It implies the change is a small token of appreciation.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Different ways to leave the money depending on who you are talking to.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Así está bien | Neutral | ||
| Quédese con el cambio | Formal | ||
| Es propina | Neutral |
📈Difficulty Level
The phrases are generally short. 'Así está bien' flows together easily.
Uses imperatives (commands), but since they are set phrases, you don't really need to master the grammar rules to use them.
Knowing WHEN to tip and what word to use for 'change' (vuelto/vuelta/cambio) varies significantly by country.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the regional word for 'change'
- Overcoming the urge to translate 'keep' as 'guardar'
💡Examples in Action
Aquí tiene. Así está bien, gracias.
Here you go. Keep the change, thanks.
La cuenta es de 18 euros. Tenga 20, quédese con la vuelta.
The bill is 18 euros. Here is 20, keep the change.
Cobráte de ahí y dejalo así.
Take it from there and keep the change.
Muchas gracias por el servicio, el resto es propina.
Thank you very much for the service, the rest is a tip.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Table Logic' of Tipping
In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Europe and South America, it is actually uncommon to say 'keep the change' at a sit-down restaurant. The custom is usually to pay the bill in full, receive your change back, and then leave the tip (coins or bills) on the table before you walk away. Saying 'keep the change' is mostly reserved for taxis, delivery drivers, or very small amounts at a bar.
Cambio vs. Vuelta vs. Vuelto
The word for the money you get back varies by region. In Mexico and the Caribbean, it's usually 'cambio' (which also means exchange). In Spain and Colombia, you'll hear 'vuelta' (literally 'return' or 'turn'). In Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, it is almost exclusively called 'el vuelto'. Using the local term makes you sound like an insider.
Rounding Up (Redondear)
In supermarkets or convenience stores in countries like Mexico, cashiers might ask if you want to 'redondear' (round up) your cents to donate to a charity. This isn't a tip for them; it's a donation program. If you say 'sí,' you are telling them to keep the change for that cause.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Guardar' instead of 'Quedarse'
Mistake: "Saying 'Guarda el cambio'"
Correction: Quédate con el cambio / Así está bien
Being too formal in casual spots
Mistake: "Using 'Quédese con el cambio' for a 10-cent difference at a dive bar"
Correction: Así está bien
💡Pro Tips
The Power of the Hand Gesture
Often, you don't need to speak at all. If you hand someone a bill and want them to keep the change, simply making eye contact, nodding, and slightly raising your hand (palm open) communicates 'no need to return anything.' A simple 'Gracias' accompanies this perfectly.
Taxi Etiquette
Taxis are the #1 place where this phrase is used. If the fare is 45 and you hand them a 50, saying 'así está bien' as you open the door to leave is the standard way to tip.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Tipping culture in Mexico is similar to the US; it is expected. 'Ahí muere' is a very slangy way to say 'let it die there' (leave it at that), used in casual street contexts.
Spain
In Spain, tipping is much smaller than in the Americas. Leaving the small coins ('chatarra') is common. The word 'vuelta' is used instead of 'cambio'.
Argentina / Southern Cone
They use 'el vuelto' exclusively. The accent is on the second syllable of the verb (quedáte) due to the 'voseo' grammatical form.
💬What Comes Next?
After you tell them to keep the change
¡Muy amable, gracias!
Very kind, thank you!
De nada / Que tenga buen día
You're welcome / Have a good day
If they look confused or try to give money back
¿Seguro?
Are you sure?
Sí, es para usted / es para ti
Yes, it's for you
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'Keep the change' is a specific command. In Spanish, we often focus on the state of the transaction ('It is fine like that') rather than commanding the person to keep the money. Spanish speakers are often more indirect in these polite transactions.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: If you translate 'save' to 'salvar' (rescue) or 'guardar' (store), it makes no sense. You must use 'quedarse con' (to remain with).
Use instead: Quédese con el cambio
🎬In Popular Culture
Mi Pobre Angelito 2
The famous line 'Keep the change, you filthy animal' from the gangster movie Kevin watches.
Why it matters: A hilarious and memorable way to remember the imperative 'quédate con el cambio' (informal), though please don't call your waiter a filthy animal!
📺 Disney+
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to ask for the bill
This is the step that happens immediately before you pay and leave a tip.
How to say thank you
You will almost always say 'gracias' while telling them to keep the change.
Numbers in Spanish
Essential for understanding how much change you are owed or giving.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Keep the change
Question 1 of 3
You are in a taxi in Mexico City and the driver is an older man you want to treat with respect. How do you say 'keep the change'?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to say 'keep the change' in Spanish?
Not at all, but context matters. In a taxi, it is perfectly polite. In a nice restaurant, it is more polite to wait for the change to be brought to you, and then leave the tip on the table, rather than waving the waiter away.
Can I just say 'gracias'?
Yes! If you hand over the money and make meaningful eye contact while saying a firm 'Gracias,' most service workers will understand that the transaction is finished and they should keep the rest.
What is the difference between 'propina' and 'cambio'?
'Cambio' (or vuelta/vuelto) is the change owed back to you. 'Propina' is the tip. When you say 'keep the change,' you are turning the 'cambio' into 'propina.'
How do I say 'keep the change' to a friend who bought me lunch?
If a friend is paying and you are giving them cash for your share, you might say 'Quédate con la vuelta' (informal) or simply 'Déjalo así' (leave it like that).
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