Sto solo guardando
The English phrase "I am just looking" is translated into Italian as Sto solo guardando.
Sto solo guardando is the standard, polite way to respond to a shop assistant in Italy when you want to browse without assistance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sto (I am), solo (only/just) and guardando (looking).
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Sto solo guardando un po' to mean "I am just looking around a bit" or the more informal Sto solo curiosando to mean "I am just snooping around."
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb stare is used here in the present continuous construction (stare + gerund) to express an action currently in progress.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Italian boutiques, the shop assistant may continue to follow you closely even after you say Sto solo guardando as a sign of attentive service rather than an intrusion.
- While guardare is the standard word for 'looking', it originates from the Germanic word wardon, which means 'to guard' or 'to watch over'.
- If you use the informal Sto solo curiosando, you might sound more like a detective than a shopper, as curiosare can imply prying or snooping.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi, sto solo guardando.Excuse me, I am just looking.
- Per favore, sto solo curiosando.Please, I am just browsing.
- Mi interessa, ma sto solo dando un'occhiata per ora.I am interested, but I am just taking a look for now.
- Vorrei solo vedere cosa avete.I just want to see what you have.
- Sto solo cercando delle idee.I am just searching for some ideas.
- Sto solo guardando, grazie.I am just looking, thank you.
- Non mi serve aiuto, sto solo guardando.I don't need help, I am just looking.
Example conversation
A clothing store in Italy.
- ChiaraBuongiorno! Posso aiutarla a trovare qualcosa?Good morning! Can I help you find something?
- FrancescoNo, grazie, sto solo guardando.No, thanks, I am just looking.
- ChiaraCertamente, mi faccia sapere se ha bisogno.Certainly, let me know if you need anything.
- FrancescoVa bene, grazie mille!All right, thanks a lot!
