How to Say "Keep the Change" in Greek

κρατήστε τα ρέστα

kratíste ta résta

To say "keep the change" in Greek, use κρατήστε τα ρέστα (kratíste ta résta).

This phrase is used as an instruction to keep the change (phrase).

Meaning: instruction to keep the change (phrase)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the verb κρατήστε (keep/hold), the article τα (the) and the noun ρέστα (change).

Which one should you use?

You may encounter Κράτα τα ρεστά in informal settings or Το υπόλοιπο για εσάς in more formal contexts.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

κρατήστε τα ρέστα is the standard polite form. The form κράτα τα ρεστά is informal. Because it uses a singular command, using it with a service worker like a waiter or taxi driver would be considered rude. For a more formal approach, you can use Το υπόλοιπο για εσάς, which means "The remainder is for you".

How does it change in a sentence?

The default form κρατήστε τα ρέστα uses the second-person plural imperative, which is the standard polite way to address a stranger or a service worker. In contrast, the form κρατάω τα ρέστα means "I keep the change".

How do you pronounce it?

kratíste ta résta

Did you know?

The word ρέστα is used in Greek to describe a 'tie' or 'draw' in a game or sports match.
The word ρέστα actually comes from the Italian word 'resto', which means 'remainder'.
In very casual settings, Greeks might simply say Κράτα (keep) and omit the words for 'the change' entirely.

Examples in context

Κρατήστε τα ρέστα!
Keep the change!
This sentence is useful for an emphatic instruction to keep the change using κρατήστε τα ρέστα.
Tatoeba #5358630 by Zeus, translation #39748 by CK
Κρατήστε τα ρέστα.
Keep the change.
This sentence is useful for a standard statement to keep the change using κρατήστε τα ρέστα.
Tatoeba #9183479 by Nylez, translation #357219 by plover
Κρατήστε τα ρέστα, ευχαριστώ!
Keep the change, thank you!
Κρατήστε τα ρέστα, ευχαριστώ πολύ.
Kratíste ta résta, efcharistó polý.
Keep the change, thank you very much.

Example conversation

Maria is paying for a taxi ride.

Μαρία Maria

Ορίστε δέκα ευρώ, κρατήστε τα ρέστα.
Oríste déka evró, kratíste ta résta.
Here is ten euros, keep the change.
Νίκος Nikos

Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ, Μαρία!
Sas efcharistó polý, María!
Thank you very much, Maria!
Μαρία Maria

Παρακαλώ, Νίκο. Καλή συνέχεια!
Parakaló, Níko. Kalí sinechía!
You're welcome, Nikos. Have a good day!
Νίκος Nikos

Ευχαριστώ, και εσείς επίσης!
Efcharistó, kai esís epísis!
Thank you, you too!

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries ρέστα, τα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “Keep the Change” in Greek