Portuguese Phrase
Só estou olhando, obrigado.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I’m only looking, thank you.’ It’s a polite way to tell a shop assistant that you’re just browsing and don’t need help. The phrase softens the refusal and shows appreciation for the service.
When to use
Use this sentence in stores, markets, or any place where someone offers assistance and you want to decline politely while indicating you’re still interested in the items.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sóestouolhando,obrigado.
Só (only)
Adverb meaning ‘only’ or ‘just’, placed before the verb to limit the action.
Estar + gerúndio
The present progressive in Portuguese uses the verb estar + gerund (olhando) to describe an ongoing action.
Olhar → olhando
The gerund form of the verb ‘olhar’ (to look) is ‘olhando’, indicating the action is happening right now.
Obrigado/Obrigada
Thank‑you word agrees with the speaker’s gender: ‘obrigado’ for males, ‘obrigada’ for females.
🗨In Conversation
Posso ajudar em alguma coisa?
Can I help you with anything?
Só estou olhando, obrigado.
I’m just looking, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Só estou olhar, obrigado.
The verb must be in gerund form after estar; use ‘olhando’, not the infinitive ‘olhar’.
Só estou olhando, obrigada.
‘Obrigada’ is used only by female speakers; a male should say ‘obrigado’.
Só estou olhando obrigado.
A comma (or a brief pause) separates the statement from the thank‑you, making it sound more natural.
↔Alternatives
Só estou dando uma olhada, obrigado.
I’m just taking a look, thank you.
Só estou vendo, obrigado.
I’m only looking, thank you.
Apenas estou olhando, obrigado.
I’m merely looking, thank you.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, saying ‘obrigado’ (or ‘obrigada’ if you’re female) after declining help is considered very courteous. It’s common to add a smile and maintain eye contact. In Portugal the same phrase works, but you’ll also hear ‘Obrigado/a, só estou a olhar’ using the European progressive ‘a + infinitive’. Adjust the gender of ‘obrigado’ to match your own gender.