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intimate space

[ɪn.tɪ.mət speɪs]
nounpl: intimate spaces
espaço íntimo
1. The closest distance zone (0-18 inches) in which a person allows only close friends, family, or romantic partners to enter, according to proxemics theory
Strangers should not invade someone's intimate space without permission.
Estranhos não devem invadir o espaço íntimo de alguém sem permissão.
2. A private or personal area reserved for close emotional connections and physical proximity
She felt uncomfortable when her coworker entered her intimate space.
Ela se sentiu desconfortável quando sua colega de trabalho entrou em seu espaço íntimo.
NYC Slang
personal bubble
Synonyms
personal spaceproximal distanceintimate distance zoneprivate space
Antonyms
public spacesocial distanceprofessional distance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
espaço íntimo
Standard term used in behavioral and psychological contexts
Portugal
espaço íntimo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; technical term in proxemics studies
General Brazilian
distância íntima
Alternative phrasing, especially in academic contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

invade someone's space
respect one's boundaries
get in someone's face
keep someone at arm's length
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