A shop assistant asks if you need anything, but you just want to look around. The natural answer is “I’m just looking, thank you”: short, friendly, and it politely declines help without any pressure.
The phrase: I’m just looking
I’m just looking is the standard reply when you don’t need help yet. Just means “only”: you are browsing, not buying. Ukrainians say «Я просто дивлюся, дякую!» for the same situation.
- No, thanks. I’m just looking.A polite “no” to an offer of help.
- Are you looking for anything in particular?A typical question from a shop assistant.
- I’m just browsing, thank you.Browse = look around casually, without a clear goal.
- I’m just looking. I’ll let you know if I need help.Ending the conversation for now, politely.
Keep thank you or thanks at the end to sound friendly. In conversation you will also hear the shorter Just looking, thanks, with the subject dropped.
Trying things on next? See Can I try this on? for the phrase you need at the fitting room.
Why it’s the Present Continuous
In Ukrainian, «дивлюся» is a present-tense verb. In English, an action happening right now uses the Present Continuous (am / is / are + -ing). You are looking at the products at this moment, so you say I’m looking.
- I’m looking (Present Continuous) — the action is in progress now.
- I look (Present Simple) — a habit or a general fact: I look at maps every day.
For a full explanation of the form, read Present Continuous rules and examples.
Look at, look for, look after
The preposition after look changes the meaning completely. In shops you will hear all three:
- I’m looking at the shoes.look at — to direct your eyes towards something
- I’m looking for a black bag.look for — to search for something
- Could you look after my bag for a minute?look after — to take care of something or someone, keep an eye on it
Common mistakes
- I just looking — the auxiliary is missing. The Continuous needs am: I’m just looking.
- I’m just see — see means noticing with your eyes, not browsing. For browsing, use look.
- I’m watching — watch is for TV, films or sport. Learners who translate «дивлюся» word for word often make this mistake.
Check yourself
Answer in English, then reveal the answer:
1.A shop assistant offers help, but you’re only browsing. What do you say?
Answer
I’m just looking, thank you.
2.You are searching for a present for your mom. What do you say?
Answer
I’m looking for a present for my mom.
3.You want someone to keep an eye on your bag while you try things on.
Answer
Could you look after my bag?
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