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

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 terms

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.