A1 Expression Neutral 2 min read

我再看看。

wo zai kan kan.

Let me look around.

Literally: I (我) again (再) look (看) look (看).

In 15 Seconds

  • The polite way to say 'I'm just looking' while shopping.
  • Softens a rejection so you don't hurt the seller's feelings.
  • Perfect for escaping high-pressure sales situations gracefully.

Meaning

This is your ultimate 'get out of jail free' card when shopping or browsing. It politely tells a salesperson you aren't ready to buy yet without being rude.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Browsing in a clothing store

谢谢,我再看看。

Thanks, I'll look around a bit more.

2

Ordering food at a busy restaurant

菜单太长了,我再看看。

The menu is too long, let me look a bit more.

3

Considering a job offer

合同我收到了,我再看看。

I received the contract, let me look it over again.

🌍

Cultural Background

It is very common to say this even if you have no intention of buying, just to be polite. Similar usage, often accompanied by a polite nod.

🎯

Add '吧'

Adding '吧' at the end makes you sound much more friendly and less like you are dismissing the person.

In 15 Seconds

  • The polite way to say 'I'm just looking' while shopping.
  • Softens a rejection so you don't hurt the seller's feelings.
  • Perfect for escaping high-pressure sales situations gracefully.

What It Means

我再看看 is the polite way to say 'I'm just looking.' It literally translates to 'I will look again.' In Chinese culture, it acts as a soft buffer. It saves face for both you and the seller. You aren't saying 'no.' You are saying 'not right now.'

How To Use It

Use it when a shop assistant follows you too closely. Or use it when a menu is too long. Simply smile and say 我再看看. The double (look) makes the tone softer and more casual. It sounds much friendlier than a single .

When To Use It

Use it at a clothing market when prices are too high. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter is hovering. It works perfectly when browsing electronics or even apartments. It’s a great way to end a conversation that feels high-pressure. You can even use it when a friend suggests a plan you aren't sure about yet.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you have already agreed to buy something. That would be confusing or seem like you're backing out. Avoid using it in a high-stakes business negotiation. In those cases, be more specific about your concerns. Also, don't say it if you are actually blindfolded—that’s just a bad joke!

Cultural Background

Chinese shopping culture can be very 'proactive.' Shop assistants often follow you to be helpful. Saying a direct 'No' can feel a bit harsh or 'cold.' 我再看看 maintains the social harmony. It implies that their products are interesting enough to warrant a second look. It’s the art of the 'polite decline.'

Common Variations

  • 我先看看 (I'll look first): Very similar, used at the start.
  • 随便看看 (Just looking around): Even more casual.
  • 再考虑一下 (Think about it more): Use this for bigger decisions like buying a car.

Usage Notes

This phrase is extremely safe to use. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it appropriate for street markets, malls, and even office environments.

🎯

Add '吧'

Adding '吧' at the end makes you sound much more friendly and less like you are dismissing the person.

Examples

6
#1 Browsing in a clothing store

谢谢,我再看看。

Thanks, I'll look around a bit more.

The standard way to tell a clerk you don't need help.

#2 Ordering food at a busy restaurant

菜单太长了,我再看看。

The menu is too long, let me look a bit more.

Tells the waiter you need more time to decide.

#3 Considering a job offer

合同我收到了,我再看看。

I received the contract, let me look it over again.

A professional way to delay a final decision.

#4 A friend suggests a weird movie

额,我再看看吧。

Uh, let me think about it/look into it.

A soft way to say you aren't interested in their suggestion.

#5 Texting a salesperson on WeChat

好的,我再看看,有需要联系你。

Okay, I'll look more and contact you if I need anything.

A polite way to end a digital sales pitch.

#6 Looking at old photos with a partner

这张照片很有意思,我再看看。

This photo is interesting, let me look at it again.

Literal use of looking at something again.

Test Yourself

Which is the most natural way to tell a clerk you are just browsing?

A: 我看。 B: 我再看看。 C: 我不看。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Repeating the verb '看' is the standard way to express this.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Which is the most natural way to tell a clerk you are just browsing? Choose A1

A: 我看。 B: 我再看看。 C: 我不看。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Repeating the verb '看' is the standard way to express this.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it is the standard polite way to decline.

Related Phrases

🔗

我再考虑一下

similar

I will think about it more.

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