Attitude & Lifestyle2023neutral

第三空间

dì sān kōng jiān

Third space — a place that's neither home nor work where you can relax (cafes, libraries, parks).

Origin & Background

From sociologist Ray Oldenburg's concept, popularized in China as young people seek escape from cramped living and work spaces.

Examples

This cafe is my 第三空间.

年轻人需要第三空间来放松。(Young people need a third space to relax.)

Related Slang

躺平

tǎng píng

Lying flat — rejecting the rat race, choosing to do the bare minimum instead of overworking.

摆烂

bǎi làn

Let it rot — giving up entirely on trying, embracing failure or mediocrity.

干饭人

gān fàn rén

Eating machine / foodie warrior — someone who eats with great enthusiasm and passion.

佛系

fó xì

Buddha-like — having a zen, whatever-happens-happens attitude toward life. Not caring about outcomes.