使 用 期 限(しようきげん)

しようきげん

noun

use-by date; expiration date (for use)

1. use-by date; expiration date; period of validity for use

The date or period up to which a product can be safely or effectively used. Commonly applied to medicines, cosmetics, and other non-food products.

使用期限(しようきげん)を確認(かくにん)する。

To check the use-by date.

この薬(くすり)は使用期限(しようきげん)が切(き)れている。

This medicine is past its expiration date.

使用期限(しようきげん)を過(す)ぎた化粧品(けしょうひん)は肌(はだ)トラブルの原因(げんいん)になることがある。

Cosmetics that are past their use-by date can cause skin problems.

Composed of 使用(しよう) (use) and 期限(きげん) (deadline, time limit). Refers to the last date a product should be used, as opposed to the date it should be consumed.

Common collocations

使用期限(しようきげん)が切(き)れる: to expire (use-by date)
使用期限(しようきげん)を過(す)ぎる: to go past the use-by date
使用期限(しようきげん)を確認(かくにん)する: to check the use-by date
使用期限(しようきげん)内(ない): within the use-by date

Similar words

賞味期限(しょうみきげん): best-before date — for food; indicates when quality is best, not safety
消費期限(しょうひきげん): expiration date (for consumption) — for perishable food; a safety deadline
有効期限(ゆうこうきげん): expiration date (for validity) — for licenses, passes, contracts, etc.

Usage

In Japan, 使用期限(しようきげん) is most commonly found on medicine packaging and cosmetics. It is distinct from the food-related terms 賞味期限(しょうみきげん) and 消費期限(しょうひきげん).

Related Words

Compare: 賞味期限(しょうみきげん) (best-before date)

Compare: 消費期限(しょうひきげん) (expiration date)

Compare: 有効期限(ゆうこうきげん) (expiration date)

Compare: 耐用年数(たいようねんすう) (service life)

general

Added 2026.4.5 6:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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