Vocabulary to describe buildings which stand too close to each other I'm looking for ways to describe the situation when buildings (like tower blocks) stand so close opposite each other that you can s

Olga

Vocabulary to describe buildings which stand too close to each other I'm looking for ways to describe the situation when buildings (like tower blocks) stand so close opposite each other that you can see what's going on in a window of the opposite building. I wonder, how can I describe it if I want to sound 1) neutral 2) annoyed (not in a rude way, but to emphasise that I don't like the fact that others can see me through my window, because it compromises my privacy and theirs as well). If I say "buildings face each other", does it make any sense to you? Can buildings "overlook" each other? Or do they overlook an open area, like a field or a street? I'd like to learn some relevant vocabulary, so any suggestions are welcome.

Mar 23, 2019 9:27 PM

Answers · 12

Your description in your question is very good native English. Just replace the first “opposite” with “to”. I would be tempted to say something like “The windows of the buildings face each other compromising privacy” “The buildings are too close together to afford the residents any privacy” “The buildings are too close together. I don’t want a neighbor looking in my window from 4 meters away” There is also a colloquial expression “It feels like living in a fish bowl” meaning that everyone can see what you are doing all the time.

March 23, 2019

For a situation this specific, I don't think there is a way to describe it in just a few words. "Buildings face each other" doesn't necessarily mean the buildings are close. And you're right, "overlook" is only for open areas. I don't know if there are any colloquialisms for this...

March 23, 2019

'compromising' and 'privacy' are pretty formal. (Which is fine if you want to be formal). If I were talking to a friend, though, I'd say "The building opposite is so close that people can see in my window." or "....that people can see inside my flat."

March 23, 2019