A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm just browsing" in Italian
The Italian phrase 'Sto solo guardando' is your polite way to tell shopkeepers you're just looking.
Sto solo guardando.
STOH SOH-loh gwar-DAHN-dohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when a shop assistant approaches you in a clothing store, a boutique, or any shop where they might offer help. It's a polite way to signal you're not ready to buy yet.
Alternatives
- Dò solo un'occhiata.Slightly more informal, like 'I'm just taking a peek'.
- Non disturbo?Use if you're entering a very small, intimate shop and want to be extra cautious.
Ways to get it wrong
Guardando vs Looking
Don't translate 'looking' literally as 'looking for' (cercando); 'guardando' means 'watching' or 'looking at'.
Sto vs Sono
Use 'Sto' (from stare) for temporary states like browsing, not 'Sono' (from essere).
A small cultural note
Shop assistants in Italy are often very attentive. This phrase is a gentle way to manage that attention without offending.
Frequently asked
How to say I'm just looking in Italian?
The most common phrase is 'Sto solo guardando.' It directly translates to 'I am only looking.'
Is 'Sto solo guardando' formal or informal?
It's a neutral phrase that works in most shopping situations. You can use it whether you're addressing someone casually or more formally.
What if I want to say I'm just browsing in a market?
For a market, 'Sto solo guardando' is still perfectly fine. You could also use the slightly more casual 'Dò solo un'occhiata,' meaning 'I'm just taking a peek.'
