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How to Say ‘I'm just looking.’ in Portuguese

Estou só a ver.

eesh-TOH saw uh vair

[eesh-TOH saw uh vair]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, estar a plus a verb gives the English -ing form: estou a ver "I'm looking". Same pattern: estou a pensar "I'm thinking".

Phrase Breakdown

Estou

[eesh-TOH]

I am

First-person singular of "estar," used for actions happening now.

Example

Estou preparado para novas conversas profissionais.

I am prepared for new professional conversations.

só a ver.

saw uh vair

just looking.

'A ver' is the European Portuguese way to say 'looking' ('-ing'). 'Só' means just. Say 'SAW uh VEHR'.

Example

Estamos só a ver.

We're just looking.

Words in this phrase

só

[saw]

only / just

Adverb used to limit the meaning to one thing only.

Example

A palavra "só" aparece em "E se eu só precisar..."

The word "só" appears in "And what if I only need to..."

[uh]

(-ing marker)

Used with 'estar' plus an infinitive to show an ongoing action, like English '-ing'.

Example

Estou a comer.

I am eating.

ver

[vair]

see / watch

The verb ver means to see or to watch, depending on context.

Example

Quero ver Portugal no Mundial de 2026.

I want to watch Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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