Dictionary

personal space en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) The physical space closely surrounding a person, which can lead to discomfort, anger or anxiety if it is encroached.
   • It is customary, moreover, for those sharing a cabin to while away train journeys chatting on the two bottom bunks, which is likely to jar with many Westerners' narrower conceptions of personal space and ownership (especially if they have paid top dollar for the prized bottom bunk). 2010 February 4, The Economist:
2. (countable, uncountable) An area which can be regarded as belonging to a person privately, in which to place belongings, etc.
   • Like long-term couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton, who famously live in separate houses, I believe that personal space is the key to a healthy relationship. 2008 May 1, Kia Abdullah, The Guardian:

Forms

Translations (17)

fi henkilökohtainen tila (area regarded as belonging to a person) · ru личное простра́нство (area regarded as belonging to a person) · fi henkilökohtainen alue (area regarded as belonging to a person) · ru дом (area regarded as belonging to a person) · ru личное простра́нство (physical space closely surrounding a person) · ru жили́ще (area regarded as belonging to a person) · cmn 私人空間 /私人空间 (physical space closely surrounding a person) · fi henkilökohtainen tila (physical space closely surrounding a person) · pt espaço pessoal (physical space closely surrounding a person) · pl przestrzeń osobista (physical space closely surrounding a person) · fi henkilökohtainen alue (physical space closely surrounding a person) · fr espace vital (physical space closely surrounding a person) · ja パーソナルスペース (physical space closely surrounding a person) · ru диста́нция (physical space closely surrounding a person) · ru оча́г (area regarded as belonging to a person) · pl przestrzeń osobista (area regarded as belonging to a person) · cmn 私人空間 /私人空间 (area regarded as belonging to a person)