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

Estou só a ver

eesh-TOH saw ah vehr

[eesh-TOH saw ah vehr]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, estar a + a verb's base form means "to be doing": estou a comer "I'm eating".

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 ah vehr

just looking

'Só' means 'just' or 'only'. 'A ver' is the European Portuguese way to express an ongoing action (estar a + infinitive). Say it as '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..."

a

[ah]

(progressive marker)

Used in European Portuguese with an infinitive to form the '-ing' tense: 'estar a + verb'.

Example

Estou a comer.

I am eating.

ver

[vehr]

to look / see

Infinitive of 'ver'; here meaning to browse or look around.

Example

Quero ver o menu.

I want to see the menu.

Related guides

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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