A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm just looking thanks" in Italian
A polite way to decline assistance from a shopkeeper while browsing.
Sto solo guardando, grazie.
STOH SOH-loh gwar-DAHN-doh, GRAHT-see-ehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when a shop assistant approaches you and asks if you need help, but you're not ready to buy or need time to look around. It's a common and expected response in most shops.
Alternatives
- Solo guardo, grazie.Slightly more direct, but still perfectly fine.
- Per ora guardo.Implies you might ask for help later.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'guardando' with 'guardando'
Ensure the double 'n' in 'guardando' is pronounced clearly; it's not 'guardando'.
Using 'solo' incorrectly
'Solo' means 'only' or 'just' here; avoid using it in place of 'soltanto' or 'semplicemente' in other contexts.
A small cultural note
Shop assistants in Italy are often very attentive. This phrase is a gentle way to manage their helpfulness without being rude.
Frequently asked
What if they keep asking?
You can repeat 'Sto solo guardando, grazie' or add 'Le faccio sapere se ho bisogno di qualcosa' (I'll let you know if I need anything).
Is 'Sto solo guardando' rude?
Not at all. It's a standard and polite way to indicate you're browsing. Adding 'grazie' softens it further.
Can I say 'No, grazie'?
While 'No, grazie' is understood, 'Sto solo guardando, grazie' is more specific and less abrupt in a shopping context.
