üstü kalsın
/ysty kalsɯn/from spelling rules
The Turkish phrase for "keep the change" is üstü kalsın.
This phrase is used when paying for something in cash (like a taxi or a small shop) to tell the person to keep the leftover coins or small bills as a tip.
Meaning: instruction to keep the change (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of üstü (its top/the remainder) and kalsın (let it stay).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Istanbul, the phrase Bozuk verme, abi translates to "Don't give the change, mate!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb kalsın is in the third-person singular imperative (optative) mood, which is used here to express a wish or a polite command.
How do you pronounce it?
The /s/ sound is like the [s] in "send", the /k/ is like the [c] in "core", the /ɯ/ is somewhat like the [o] in "ribbon" and the /n/ is like the [n] in "not".
When do people say it?
When you say üstü kalsın, the person receiving the money will typically respond with Teşekkürler or Sağ olun.
Did you know?
- While üstü kalsın is common, using the word abi (elder brother) as seen in Bozuk verme, abi is a cultural shortcut to create instant rapport with a stranger, regardless of actual kinship.
- If a vendor is very humble, they may initially refuse a tip after you say üstü kalsın as a gesture of modesty before finally accepting it.
- While üstü kalsın is a standard way to say it, many locals use the more colloquial Bozuk verme which literally means 'Don't give me the broken/small change'.
Examples in context
- Üstü kalsın!Keep the change!This example shows the phrase used as a direct command.Tatoeba #2012816 by duran, translation #39748 by CK
- Üstü kalsın, lütfen.Keep the change, please.This example shows how to add politeness using lütfen.Tatoeba #522214 by duran, translation #278438 by frpzzd
- "Üstü kalsın." "Teşekkürler.""Keep the change." "Thank you."This example shows a typical exchange where the person responds with Teşekkürler after you use üstü kalsın.Tatoeba #6534997 by Toprak_Pamuk, translation #6469314 by OsoHombre
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emre is paying for a coffee at a cafe.
- EmreBuyurun, yirmi lira.Here you go, twenty lira.
- MerveBuyurun, beş lira üstünüz.Here is five lira change.
- EmreGerek yok, üstü kalsın.No need, keep the change.
- MerveÇok teşekkürler, iyi günler!Thank you very much, have a nice day!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keep the change” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Turkish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
