FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Clothing StoreSto solo guardando, grazie.
A1

Sto solo guardando, grazie.

I'm just looking, thank you.

Pronunciation

The double 'd' in 'guardando' is held a beat longer than a single 'd'. Say 'guar-DAN-do'.

When to use it

When a shop assistant approaches and you're not ready to ask for help. Polite way to browse freely without being rude.

What it means

'Sto + gerundio' (guardando) forms the present progressive in Italian, equivalent to 'I am looking'. Adding 'solo' (only/just) softens the refusal politely.

Variations

Do solo un'occhiata.

I'm just having a look.

More colloquial, common among younger shoppers

Per ora guardo, grazie.

For now I'm just looking, thanks.

Implies you might ask for help later

Grazie, mi guardo in giro.

Thanks, I'll look around.

Most casual variant

Mini Dialogue

Commessa: Buongiorno! Posso aiutarla? Cliente: Buongiorno. Sto solo guardando, grazie. Commessa: Certo, si accomodi. Sono qui se ha bisogno. Cliente: Grazie mille.

Assistant: Good morning! Can I help you? Customer: Good morning. I'm just looking, thank you. Assistant: Of course, make yourself at home. I'm here if you need anything. Customer: Thank you very much.

Cultural Note

Always greet with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' before saying anything else in an Italian shop — walking in silently and ignoring staff is considered impolite.