A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm just looking" in French
The go-to French phrase for politely declining immediate sales assistance in shops.
Je regarde juste.
zhuh ruh-GARD zhustneutral
French TTS · 0:01
When a shopkeeper approaches you in a store and asks if they can help, use this to let them know you're browsing. It's perfectly normal and expected in most retail settings.
Alternatives
- Je regarde.Slightly less emphatic, but still common.
- Pas de souci, je regarde.More casual, often used with younger or more familiar shopkeepers.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'regarde' like 're-guard'
The 'r' is softer and more guttural than in English; the 'd' is silent.
Omitting 'juste'
While 'Je regarde' works, adding 'juste' clarifies you're not looking for help right now.
A small cultural note
French shopkeepers are often trained to offer assistance, so don't be surprised by the approach. This phrase is the standard way to manage that interaction.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I say 'Je regarde juste'?
Say this when a shop assistant asks if they can help you find something. It signals you're browsing independently.
Is it rude to say 'Je regarde juste'?
Not at all. It's a polite and standard way to inform staff you're not ready for assistance yet.
What if they keep asking?
You can repeat it, or if you're ready to buy, you can then ask for help. Sometimes a smile helps too.
