我随便看看。

Use it the moment a shop assistant approaches you. In China, staff can be very attentive. They might follow you closely to offer help. Simply smile and say this phrase. It is a soft way to set a boundary. You can also use it when visiting a friend's new home. It shows you are admiring their decor without being intrusive.

Use it in malls, boutiques, or street markets. It works perfectly when you enter a gallery or a bookstore. It is also great for social situations. If someone asks what you are doing on your phone, use this. It implies you are just scrolling through social media. It keeps the conversation light and low-pressure.

Don't use it if you actually need help. If you are looking for a specific size, be direct. Avoid using it in a high-stakes business meeting. It might make you sound like you aren't paying attention. Also, don't say it if a host asks if you like the food. In that case, 'just looking' sounds quite rude!

Chinese hospitality often involves 'proactive service.' Shopkeepers feel they are being polite by staying near you. They want to be ready the second you have a question. Using 我随便看看 acknowledges their presence while declining the service. It saves 'face' for both parties. It turns a potential high-pressure sale into a relaxed walk.

If you want to be extra polite, add 谢谢 (xièxie) at the end. You can also say 我就随便看看 (wǒ jiù suíbiàn kànkan). The 就 adds an emphasis like 'I'm *just* looking.' If you are with a friend, you can say 我们随便看看 (wǒmen suíbiàn kànkan). This covers both of you in one go.