Spanish Phrase
¿Solo estás mirando?
Meaning
This question asks whether someone is merely looking at something, without intending to buy or engage further. It can be heard in stores, galleries, or any situation where a person appears to be browsing. The tone can be friendly or slightly teasing, depending on context.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to check if a customer or visitor is just browsing, especially in retail settings, museums, or when someone seems indecisive. It’s also handy in casual conversation to playfully ask if someone is only observing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Soloestásmirando?
Solo (adverb)
When used without an accent, 'solo' functions as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'just'. The accent (sólo) is now optional and generally avoided in modern Spanish.
Estar + gerundio
The construction 'estar + gerundio' forms the present progressive, indicating an action in progress (e.g., 'estás mirando' = 'you are looking').
Question marks
Spanish uses an opening (¿) and closing (?) question mark for all interrogative sentences.
🗨In Conversation
¿Solo estás mirando?
Are you just looking?
Sí, todavía no sé qué comprar.
Yes, I still don’t know what to buy.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Sólo estás mirando?
The accent is optional; using it can look outdated. Modern orthography prefers 'solo' without an accent.
¿Solo estás mirar?
The verb must be in gerund form to match the progressive construction.
¿Solo estas mirando?
Missing accent on 'estás' changes the meaning to 'you are' vs. 'you are' (the accent is required).
↔Alternatives
¿Solo estás echando un vistazo?
Are you just taking a look?
¿Solo estás curioseando?
Are you just snooping around?
¿Solo estás observando?
Are you only observing?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, shop assistants often ask this question to gauge interest and offer help. While it’s polite, a very direct tone can feel pushy, so pair it with a smile or a friendly gesture. In some regions, using "¿Le puedo ayudar?" (Can I help you?) is considered even more courteous.