1.
deadline, time limit
A set point in time by which something must be completed or submitted.
提出期限は金曜日です。
The submission deadline is Friday.
期限までに書類を出してください。
Please submit the documents by the deadline.
申し込みの期限が過ぎてしまったので、来年まで待つしかない。
The application deadline has passed, so there is no choice but to wait until next year.
2.
expiration date, validity period
The date after which something is no longer valid or usable, such as a product's shelf life or a document's validity.
この牛乳は期限が切れている。
This milk is past its expiration date.
パスポートの有効期限を確認してください。
Please check the expiration date of your passport.
賞味期限が近い商品は割引されていることが多い。
Products nearing their best-before date are often discounted.
USAGE:
A versatile noun used in both administrative and everyday contexts. As a deadline (sense 1), it pairs with 提出 (submission), 申し込み (application), and 支払い (payment). As an expiration date (sense 2), it pairs with 賞味 (best-before), 消費 (use-by), and 有効 (validity).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 期限を守る: to meet a deadline
- 期限が切れる: to expire
- 期限を延長する: to extend a deadline
- 有効期限: validity period, expiration date
- 賞味期限: best-before date
- 提出期限: submission deadline
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 締め切り: deadline (more casual, used for work and projects)
- 納期: delivery deadline (business term)