1.
to expire; to run out; to pass a deadline
Describes the state of a time limit, validity period, or deadline being reached or exceeded. Used for passports, food, contracts, subscriptions, and any time-bound validity.
パスポートの期限が切れた。
My passport has expired.
この牛乳は賞味期限が切れている。
This milk is past its expiration date.
クレジットカードの有効期限が切れる前に、新しいカードを申し込まないといけない。
I need to apply for a new card before my credit card expires.
A very common expression combining 期限 (time limit, deadline) with 切れる (to run out, to be exhausted). Essential for everyday life in Japan, where expiration dates appear on food, medicine, transit passes, and official documents.
USAGE:
The past tense 期限が切れた or the progressive 期限が切れている are the most common forms, indicating something has already expired. The dictionary form is used when talking about future expiration.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 賞味期限が切れる — the best-before date expires
- 消費期限が切れる — the use-by date expires
- 有効期限が切れる — the validity period expires
- 期限切れ — expired (noun/adjective form)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 失効する — to become invalid, to lapse; more formal, often used for legal documents
- 満了する — to expire (of a contract or term); neutral, planned completion