When do I use "room" or "space"?

[DreamFounder]

Hello,
I get confused of the meaning between "room" and "space". I sometimes hear people say like this:
I have plenty of room in my closet
and
I've got space in my closet
and many other similar situations I've heard from them.
Thank you in advance!

[Casiopea]

In that sense "room" and "space" are synonyms.

EX: There isn't enough space/room in the car to fit all of us.
EX: Give me some room/space! You're standing too close to me.

[eworthy]

I'm a brand new ESL teacher. I enjoy these questions because they make me look at my native language in a new and unique way. I'll make a guess about room and space.
These words are very similar. 'Room' is often defined in terms of 'space' in the dictionary.
Some points that come to mind without reference to any special authority:
Space is countable.

There are two 'spaces' on the shelf
There is 'room' for two cups on the shelf.

Clear a 'space' on the table for the teapot.
Make 'room' on the table for the teapot.

2) 'Room' states or implies a specific purpose. 'Space' may have a purpose or not.

This space is small. (no specific purpose)
I need more room. (some purpose in mind)

eric

[Coffa]

Originally Posted by eworthy

I'm a brand new ESL teacher. I enjoy these questions because they make me look at my native language in a new and unique way. I'll make a guess about room and space.
These words are very similar. 'Room' is often defined in terms of 'space' in the dictionary.
Some points that come to mind without reference to any special authority:
Space is countable.

There are two 'spaces' on the shelf
There is 'room' for two cups on the shelf.

Clear a 'space' on the table for the teapot.
Make 'room' on the table for the teapot.

2) 'Room' states or implies a specific purpose. 'Space' may have a purpose or not.

This space is small. (no specific purpose)
I need more room. (some purpose in mind)

eric

That's interesting, but I'm not sure I'd agree. In your first example, 'space' can be either countable or uncountable - you can have 'space on a shelf' or 'a space on a shelf'.

In the second example, you could just as easily say "I need more space", and the German word "liebensraum" is often translated as "living space" in the context of Hitler's plans for expansion of the German Reich.

[DreamFounder]

It is looked very interesting.But there are something different in your posts .Maybe both are right^o^.And thank you very much