mancia

tip

noun MAHN-chah Rare

Origin: From French manche (sleeve), originally money slipped into the sleeve as a secret gift; or from Old French manque (lack).

Also means

gratuity

Usage Note

Mancia is the standard word for a tip left for service. The plural is mance (not mancie), which learners often get wrong. Tipping is less automatic in Italy than in the US — lasciare la mancia is a matter of appreciation rather than obligation. In card games, mancia can also refer to a small bonus given by a winner.

Examples

"Ho lasciato una mancia al cameriere."

Natural Translation

I left a tip for the waiter.

Literal Translation

I-have left a tip to-the waiter.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Prepositions: A, In, Di, Da, Su Made Simple

Cities take a, countries take in, origin is di, agents are da. Master the five Italian prepositions a, in, di, da, su and their contractions fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read