How to "shoo away" a sales clerk?

Question

When I go window shopping, the sales clerk would usually come near me asking what I like. How should I politely shoo them away? Can I simply say

いいえ、けっこうです

or something like

自分で見る

I know I can just ignore them and they get the body language that I just want to look by my own. What is the common way to say it?

I usually feel awkward especially in electronic shops like yodobashi or yamada. For bookshops, they just leave you alone. I guess electronic shops' clerks are agressive.

By the way, as a side question. Is there a word for "shoo" in Japanese? I know Japanese are polite but do they have it?

Answer 1

When the clerk asks me if I'm looking for anything particular (何かお探しですか?), I usually say あ、だいじょうぶです。 or あ、もうちょっと見てから。.

When the clerk says at places like boutiques よかったらどうぞ試着してみてくださいね～(Please try them on) or 他のサイズ/お色もご用意してますのでね～(We have different sizes/colours too), I say quite shortly あ、はい or あ、ども.

"to shoo away" = [追]{お}い[払]{はら}う...?

Answer 2

Normally just say something like「いや、ただ見ているだけです。」

Answer 3

I normally say "いいえ、結構です！". If you use "(いいえ、)大丈夫です" then you are consenting to their help.

Kekkou means more 'the situation is fine as it is', whereas daijoubu is 'ok'. There are some parts of town you can get yourself into trouble if you're not careful. (eg. "Masa-ji?" Never reply daijoubu!)

I often find that I have to be a little more direct, as there aren't many foreigners in my area who speak Japanese, so "今頃お手伝いは結構です" (I'm fine for the moment) or "いりません” (I don't need help!) usually does it. It's polite and to the point. The downside is that they might decide to have a conversation with you instead as you speak Japanese.

If everything else seems to be failing, then try getting down into unkoza (squatting like you're going to use one of holes in the ground) to look at something. If you're a guy you'll look like a hood/uncouth person, but it often has the desired effect.

Answer 4

These clerks are doing their job exactly as if they were trained, and the behavior of clerks is something that every Japanese person is used to; it is expected. You are the customer (an important person) and you do not ignore an important person. They are not trying to sell you anything. The clerks will be very helpful if you do need something.

You do not have to say anything; it is not actually expected. I find myself smiling and making a tiny head movement (because the clerk is also an important person, and you do not ignore an important person).

Watch how locals react to the clerks and do the same thing.

Just play along and everyone feels good.