je regarde juste
The phrase "I am just looking" in French is je regarde juste.
This phrase is used in a shop to tell a salesperson that you do not need help.
Which one should you use?
You can also use Je ne fais que regarder as a slightly more idiomatic way to say you are only looking. For different levels of politeness, you might use J'aimerais jeter un coup d'œil, s'il vous plaît to say "I would like to take a look, please" or Je veux juste jeter un œil to say "I just want to take a look."
Did you know?
- In French retail etiquette, it is a social faux pas to lead with je regarde juste without first saying Bonjour. Failing to greet the salesperson before stating you do not need help can make you appear cold or even rude.
- The phrase jeter un coup d'œil uses the verb jeter, which means 'to throw'. To a French speaker, you are not just looking, but literally 'throwing a glance' at the merchandise.
- The word juste in your phrase shares a common ancestor with the English word 'just', which originally meant 'righteous' or 'upright' in both languages.
Example conversation
A clothing store where a salesperson approaches a customer.
- ManonBonjour ! Est-ce que je peux vous aider ?Hello! Can I help you?
- LucasBonjour, non merci, je regarde juste.Hello, no thank you, I am just looking.
- ManonD'accord, n'hésitez pas si vous changez d'avis.Alright, don't hesitate if you change your mind.
- LucasC'est gentil, merci beaucoup.That is kind, thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, juste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
