잔돈은 됐어요
jandoneun dwaesseoyo
In Korean, the phrase to say "keep the change" is 잔돈은 됐어요 (jandoneun dwaesseoyo).
You use this phrase to tell someone they do not need to return your small change. It is most commonly used when paying a taxi driver or a small shopkeeper where the change is a small amount of coins or bills.
Meaning: instruction to keep the change (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 잔돈 (small change), 은 (topic marker) and 됐어요 (the past tense of 되다, meaning "to be done" or "to be sufficient").
Which one should you use?
While 됐어요 literally means "it is done/finished", in this context it functions as "I don't need it" or "it is sufficient" to indicate you do not want the change back.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 잔돈은 됐어요 uses the polite ending '-어요', making it appropriate for use with taxi drivers, shopkeepers or servers. The informal version 잔돈은 다 가지고 가. means 'Take all of the change' and is used among friends and peers.
How do you pronounce it?
jandoneun dwaesseoyo
Did you know?
- In Korea, tipping is not a standard cultural practice, so 잔돈은 됐어요 is usually used for very small amounts rather than as a formal tip.
- The verb 되다 used in 'keep the change' is the exact same verb used to say 'to become a doctor' or 'to become a professional'.
- The phrase 잔돈은 됐어요 uses the past tense of 'to be/become', so it literally translates to 'The change has become [sufficient]'.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is paying for coffee at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo커피 두 잔 주세요.keopi du jan juseyo.Two coffees, please.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 5천 원입니다.ne, ocheon wonimnida.Okay, that's 5,000 won.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo잔돈은 됐어요.jandoneun dwaesseoyo.Keep the change.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사합니다, 손님.gamsahamnida, sonnim.Thank you, sir.
