Portuguese Phrase
Não, só estou olhando, obrigado.
Meaning
A polite way to decline assistance while shopping or browsing. It literally means 'No, I'm just looking, thank you.' The speaker signals that they do not need help but appreciates the offer.
When to use
Use this sentence in stores, markets, or any situation where a staff member offers help and you want to politely refuse while indicating you are only browsing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãosóestouolhandoobrigado
Não
Standard negation word meaning 'no' or 'not'.
só
Adverb meaning 'only' or 'just', placed before the verb phrase.
estou
First‑person singular present of 'estar', used for temporary actions.
olhando
Gerund form of 'olhar' (to look). Combined with estar it creates the progressive 'am looking'.
obrigado / obrigada
Polite way to say 'thank you'. Use 'obrigado' if you identify as male, 'obrigada' if female.
🗨In Conversation
Posso ajudar em alguma coisa?
Can I help you with anything?
Não, só estou olhando, obrigado.
No, I'm just looking, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Não estou só olhando, obrigado.
The adverb 'só' should precede the verb phrase; 'não estou só olhando' sounds unnatural.
Não, só estou olhando, obrigada.
Male speakers should use 'obrigado'; 'obrigada' is for female speakers.
Não, estou olhando só, obrigado.
'Olhar' + 'só' after the verb is grammatically possible but less idiomatic in this quick refusal.
↔Alternatives
Não, só estou dando uma olhada, obrigado.
No, I'm just taking a look, thank you.
Não, só estou vendo, obrigado.
No, I'm just looking, thank you.
Não, só estou conferindo, obrigado.
No, I'm just checking, thank you.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is considered courteous to say 'obrigado' (or 'obrigada' for women) even when refusing help. Avoid sounding abrupt; a friendly tone and a smile go a long way. Also, remember that 'só' can be placed before the verb phrase as shown, but moving it after the verb ('estou só olhando') is also acceptable, though slightly less common in this context.