Keep the change.
TEHN-gah — formal imperative of 'tenere'. REHS-to — two syllables, stress on first.
Use when paying with cash and you want to leave the change as a tip. This is the natural Italian way to tip in cash — clean and direct.
'Tenga' is the formal imperative of 'tenere' (to keep) — used with 'lei' (formal you). 'Il resto' = the change. This phrase elegantly combines payment and tipping in one gesture.
Tieni il resto.
Keep the change.
Informal version — use with younger staff or casual settings.
Non serve il resto.
No need for change.
Alternative way to wave away change.
Può tenere il resto come mancia.
You can keep the change as a tip.
More explicit — clarifying the change is intentional as a tip.
This is the most natural Italian tipping gesture in casual and traditional restaurants. It feels spontaneous and generous without being ostentatious. Many Italians use this exact phrase at bars, taxis, and trattorias.