24 Japanese Phrases for “I’m Just Looking” – Easy & Polite Expressions
Shopping in Japan can feel like an adventure, especially when you’re just browsing and not ready to buy yet.
Knowing how to politely say “I’m just looking” in Japanese helps you navigate stores smoothly. It’s a small phrase that goes a long way in showing respect and friendliness.
Whether you’re at a bustling market or a quiet boutique, these expressions save you from awkward situations.
We’ve gathered 24 easy and polite Japanese phrases you can use to let shopkeepers know you’re simply browsing. This will boost your confidence and make your shopping experience more enjoyable.
Plus, learning these phrases is a great way to practice your Japanese and connect with locals on a more natural level.
Ready? Let’s dive into these handy expressions and make your next shopping trip a breeze!
Getting Comfortable with Browsing Phrases
Before diving into the list, it’s good to get familiar with the basics of polite browsing phrases.
In Japan, politeness really matters, especially in shops. Using the right phrase helps you show respect without sounding rude or dismissive.
Most of these phrases are easy to memorize and use in everyday situations.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
Keep your tone friendly and relaxed, and you’ll fit right in when browsing.
Now, let’s jump into some casual suggestions to get you started!
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. 見ているだけです (Mite iru dake desu) – mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo
This phrase means “I’m just looking.” It’s a simple and straightforward way to express that you’re browsing.
“見ている” (Mite iru) means “looking,” and “だけです” (dake desu) means “only” or “just.” Together, it politely says, “I’m only looking.”
It’s great for beginners because it’s clear and polite without being too formal.
Use this when a shop assistant asks if you need help but you want to browse alone.
You might also hear a similar phrase, “ちょっと見ているだけです” (Chotto mite iru dake desu), which adds “a little” for a softer tone.
Remember, keeping your voice calm and polite helps this phrase sound natural.
2. 見ているだけですけど (Mite iru dake desu kedo) – mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo keh-doh
This is a slight variation that adds “けど” (kedo), meaning “but.”
It softens the phrase, implying “I’m just looking, but thank you,” which is very polite and friendly.
Adding “けど” can make your phrase sound less abrupt and more conversational.
It’s useful when you want to politely refuse help but show appreciation.
Be careful not to use “けど” too roughly; it should sound gentle.
For example: “すみません、見ているだけですけど。” (Sumimasen, mite iru dake desu kedo.) means “Excuse me, I’m just looking, but thank you.”
3. ちょっと見ているだけです (Chotto mite iru dake desu) – choht-toh mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo
This phrase means “I’m just looking a little.”
“ちょっと” (Chotto) means “a little” or “just a bit,” making this phrase sound even softer and more casual.
It’s perfect when you’re not in a hurry and want to browse without pressure.
Using “ちょっと” also shows humility and politeness.
Try it when you want to gently decline assistance but remain friendly.
Practice saying it with a slight smile to make it feel natural.
4. 見ているだけで大丈夫です (Mite iru dake de daijoubu desu) – mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh da-ee-joh-boo deh-soo
This phrase means “Just looking is okay” or “I’m fine just looking.”
“大丈夫” (Daijoubu) means “okay” or “fine,” so it reassures the shopkeeper politely.
It’s excellent for situations where you want to emphasize that you don’t need help.
Try this phrase when you want to sound polite but firm about browsing only.
It also works well with a soft tone to avoid sounding dismissive.
Pair it with a gentle nod to show respect.
5. 見ているだけで結構です (Mite iru dake de kekkou desu) – mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh keh-koh deh-soo
This phrase means “Just looking is perfectly fine.”
“結構” (Kekkou) is a polite way to say “fine” or “that’s enough.”
It’s a polite and slightly formal way to express that you don’t need assistance.
Use this when you want to sound respectful but clear.
It’s a great phrase for more upscale shops or formal settings.
Keep your tone warm to avoid sounding too stiff.
6. 見ているだけですので (Mite iru dake desu node) – mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo noh-deh
This phrase adds “ので” (node), which means “because” or “since.”
It translates to “Because I’m just looking,” which can politely preface your browsing status.
It’s useful when you want to explain why you don’t need help or aren’t buying immediately.
Make sure to pair it with a polite gesture, like a slight bow.
Avoid overusing it, as it can sound overly formal in casual shops.
Try: “見ているだけですので、すみません。” (Mite iru dake desu node, sumimasen.)
7. まだ決めていません (Mada kimete imasen) – mah-dah kee-meh-teh ee-mah-sen
This phrase means “I haven’t decided yet.”
It’s a polite way to imply that you’re still just browsing and haven’t made up your mind.
“まだ” (Mada) means “still,” “決めていません” (kimete imasen) means “haven’t decided.”
It’s a natural phrase to use if a shop assistant approaches to encourage buying.
It shows that you’re interested but need more time.
Use it with a gentle smile to maintain warmth.
8. ちょっと見てみたいだけです (Chotto mite mitai dake desu) – choht-toh mee-teh mee-tie dah-keh deh-soo
This means “I just want to have a quick look.”
“見てみたい” (mite mitai) means “want to try looking” or “want to have a look.”
It’s a casual yet polite way to say you’re browsing out of curiosity.
Great for situations where you want to keep it light and friendly.
Try saying it with a curious expression to sound natural.
It’s perfect for informal shops or markets.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 拝見しているだけです (Haiken shite iru dake desu) – hai-ken shi-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo
This is a very polite way to say “I’m just looking.”
“拝見する” (haiken suru) is a humble form of “to see” or “to look,” used to show respect.
It’s perfect for formal stores or when addressing someone senior or important.
Using this phrase shows high respect and humility.
Be sure to use it with a slight bow for full politeness.
It’s a great phrase to practice for formal events or business settings.
10. ただ拝見しているのみです (Tada haiken shite iru nomi desu) – tah-dah hai-ken shi-teh ee-roo noh-mee deh-soo
This means “I’m simply just looking.”
“ただ” (tada) means “only” or “just,” and “のみ” (nomi) also means “only,” reinforcing the browsing status.
It’s a very formal and humble way to express you’re just looking.
Use this when you want to be extra polite and respectful.
It’s best in formal or ceremonial shopping situations.
Practice the pronunciation carefully to sound natural and respectful.
11. 見学させていただいております (Kengaku sasete itadaite orimasu) – ken-gah-koo sah-seh-teh ee-tah-dah-ee-teh oh-ree-mah-soo
This phrase means “I am respectfully having a look.”
“見学” (kengaku) means “inspection” or “observation,” and “させていただいております” (sasete itadaite orimasu) is a very polite form of “letting me do.”
It’s formal and shows deep respect to the store and staff.
Use this when you want to sound very humble and appreciative.
This phrase is excellent for cultural or specialty shops.
It’s a bit long but perfect for formal interactions.
12. ただ拝見させていただいております (Tada haiken sasete itadaite orimasu) – tah-dah hai-ken sah-seh-teh ee-tah-dah-ee-teh oh-ree-mah-soo
Similar to the last, this means “I am simply respectfully looking.”
This phrase combines humility and politeness in a formal setting.
It’s often used in business or luxury retail environments.
Practice this phrase to impress in formal Japanese settings.
It’s a very nuanced way to express browsing politely.
Use it with a calm and respectful tone for best effect.
13. 少々拝見させていただきます (Shoushou haiken sasete itadakimasu) – shoh-shoh hai-ken sah-seh-teh ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-soo
This means “I will take a quick look respectfully.”
“少々” (shoushou) means “a little” or “briefly,” adding a polite nuance.
It’s good when you want to indicate a short browsing time without seeming rude.
Use this phrase when you want to sound courteous but efficient.
It’s useful in formal or business contexts.
Say it with a soft smile and slight bow to sound natural.
14. 拝見しておりますが、まだ決めかねております (Haiken shite orimasu ga, mada kimekanete orimasu) – hai-ken shi-teh oh-ree-mah-soo gah, mah-dah kee-meh-kah-neh-teh oh-ree-mah-soo
This phrase means “I am respectfully looking, but I haven’t decided yet.”
It combines polite browsing with an honest update on your buying decision.
Perfect when you want to be transparent and polite at the same time.
It’s a bit formal but very clear and respectful.
Use it to keep communication open with sales staff.
Make sure to say it calmly and sincerely.
15. まだ検討中ですので、見せていただくだけで結構です (Mada kentou-chuu desu node, misete itadaku dake de kekkou desu) – mah-dah ken-toh choo deh-soo noh-deh, mee-seh-teh ee-tah-dah-koo dah-keh deh keh-koh deh-soo
This means “I’m still considering, so just showing me is enough.”
It politely says you’re browsing and don’t need the salesperson to push for a sale.
Great for formal shopping experiences where you want to be clear but respectful.
It’s a longer phrase but very effective in polite conversation.
Use it with a gentle tone to avoid sounding harsh.
Practice in small pieces to get comfortable with the length.
16. 失礼ですが、今は見ているだけです (Shitsurei desu ga, ima wa mite iru dake desu) – shee-tsu-reh-ee deh-soo gah, ee-mah wah mee-teh ee-roo dah-keh deh-soo
This phrase means “Excuse me, but I’m just looking right now.”
“失礼ですが” (shitsurei desu ga) is a polite way to say “excuse me” or “sorry to say.”
It’s good for gently declining help without offending.
Use it in formal or semi-formal situations.
It balances politeness with clear communication.
Say it softly to keep the mood friendly.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. ちょっと見てるだけ (Chotto miteru dake) – choht-toh mee-teh-roo dah-keh
This is a very casual way to say “I’m just looking a bit.”
It drops formal endings, perfect among friends or in relaxed settings.
“見てる” (miteru) is a shortened form of “見ている” (mite iru).
Use it only with people you know well or in informal shops.
It sounds natural and easygoing.
Great for practicing casual Japanese.
18. 見てるだけだよ (Miteru dake da yo) – mee-teh-roo dah-keh dah yoh
This means “I’m just looking, you know.”
“だよ” (da yo) adds emphasis and a casual tone.
It’s very informal and used among friends or young people.
Not suitable for formal situations.
Try it with a smile to keep it lighthearted.
It’s common in spoken Japanese.
19. まだ買うか決めてない (Mada kau ka kimetenai) – mah-dah kah-oo kah kee-meh-teh-nai
This means “I haven’t decided whether to buy yet.”
Very casual and perfect for conversations with friends or young shop staff.
“買うか” (kau ka) means “whether to buy,” and “決めてない” (kimetenai) means “haven’t decided.”
Use when you want to be honest but casual.
Not polite enough for formal shops.
Good phrase to practice natural Japanese speaking.
20. ちょっと見てるだけだから (Chotto miteru dake dakara) – choht-toh mee-teh-roo dah-keh dah-kah-rah
This means “I’m just looking a little, you know.”
“だから” (dakara) adds a causal tone meaning “because” or “so.”
It’s casual and often used in everyday conversations.
Use it with friends or relaxed salespeople.
It can sound blunt if used improperly, so tone matters.
Pair it with a smile to keep it friendly.
21. 見てるだけで買わないよ (Miteru dake de kawanai yo) – mee-teh-roo dah-keh deh kah-wah-nai yoh
This means “I’m just looking and won’t buy, you know.”
It’s casual and a bit cheeky, usually for joking with friends.
“買わない” (kawanai) means “won’t buy.”
Not appropriate for formal situations.
Good for practicing slang or informal Japanese.
Use carefully to avoid sounding rude.
22. まだ決めてないから見てるだけ (Mada kimetenai kara miteru dake) – mah-dah kee-meh-teh-nai kah-rah mee-teh-roo dah-keh
This means “I haven’t decided yet, so I’m just looking.”
“から” (kara) means “because,” adding a casual explanation.
It’s very common in spoken Japanese among friends.
Not polite enough for formal shops.
Great for practicing natural conversational flow.
Use it with a friendly tone.
23. 今はただ見てるだけ (Ima wa tada miteru dake) – ee-mah wah tah-dah mee-teh-roo dah-keh
This means “Right now, I’m just looking.”
“今は” (ima wa) means “right now,” and “ただ” (tada) means “just.”
It’s casual and commonly used in everyday speech.
Use it with friends or casual shopkeepers.
Not suitable for formal settings.
Good phrase to practice casual Japanese.
24. 見てるだけ、ありがとう (Miteru dake, arigatou) – mee-teh-roo dah-keh, ah-ree-gah-toh
This means “Just looking, thank you.”
It’s a polite yet casual way to express gratitude while browsing.
“ありがとう” (arigatou) means “thank you,” adding warmth.
Perfect for casual shops or markets.
It balances friendliness with honesty.
Try it with a genuine smile for best effect.
Concluding Thought
Learning how to say “I’m just looking” in Japanese opens doors to smoother shopping experiences and genuine cultural connections.
With these 24 expressions, from casual to very formal, you can adapt your language to any situation with confidence and politeness.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy every moment of your Japanese journey—shopping included!