Meaning
The money returned after paying more than the exact amount.
Cultural Background
Cashiers count change twice: once when taking it from the till and once in front of the customer to ensure accuracy and build trust. Leaving change on a table as a tip is considered a mistake by the customer. Staff will often run after you to return it. The use of a 'Carton' (money tray) is standard. It is polite to place your money on the tray rather than handing it directly. Buses often require exact change. They have 'money changers' (ryogaeki) on board, but they don't give 'otsuri' automatically; you must break your bill first.
The 'Keep the Change' Phrase
If you really want to leave change (like in a taxi), say 'Otsuri wa kekko desu.' It sounds very smooth and polite.
Check the Tray
Don't reach for the cashier's hand. Wait for them to put the money on the tray.
Meaning
The money returned after paying more than the exact amount.
The 'Keep the Change' Phrase
If you really want to leave change (like in a taxi), say 'Otsuri wa kekko desu.' It sounds very smooth and polite.
Check the Tray
Don't reach for the cashier's hand. Wait for them to put the money on the tray.
Vending Machine Hack
If a machine doesn't give change, look for the 'Otsuri/返却' lever. It often fixes minor jams.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for change.
コンビニで1,000{円|えん}を{出|だ}して、500{円|えん}の____をもらいました。
You receive 'otsuri' (change) at a convenience store.
Which sentence is the most natural for a cashier to say?
Cashier: Here is your change.
Cashiers state the amount of change using 'desu'.
Complete the dialogue in the taxi.
Driver: 800{円|えん}です。 Learner: 1,000{円|えん}で{願|ねが}いします。____は{結構|けっこう}です。
If you want the driver to keep the change, you say 'Otsuri wa kekko desu'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You forgot your change at the vending machine.
Wasuremashita means 'forgot'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesコンビニで1,000{円|えん}を{出|だ}して、500{円|えん}の____をもらいました。
You receive 'otsuri' (change) at a convenience store.
Cashier: Here is your change.
Cashiers state the amount of change using 'desu'.
Driver: 800{円|えん}です。 Learner: 1,000{円|えん}で{願|ねが}いします。____は{結構|けっこう}です。
If you want the driver to keep the change, you say 'Otsuri wa kekko desu'.
You forgot your change at the vending machine.
Wasuremashita means 'forgot'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it's often unnecessary because they count it so clearly for you. However, checking is perfectly fine.
Yes, but it sounds very casual or 'rough.' As a learner, 'Otsuri' is much better.
Simply say 'Sumimasen, otsuri o onegaishimasu' (Excuse me, change please).
It's for clarity. They usually give the bills first, count them, then give the coins.
Related Phrases
{小銭|こぜに}
similarSmall coins / pocket change
{両替|りょうがえ}
similarMoney exchange / breaking a bill
{会計|かいけい}
builds onThe bill / the check
{返却|へんきゃく}
specialized formReturn / giving back
