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.
使用期限を確認する。
To check the use-by date.
この薬は使用期限が切れている。
This medicine is past its expiration date.
使用期限を過ぎた化粧品は肌トラブルの原因になることがある。
Cosmetics that are past their use-by date can cause skin problems.
Composed of 使用 (use) and 期限 (deadline, time limit). Refers to the last date a product should be used, as opposed to the date it should be consumed.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 使用期限が切れる: to expire (use-by date)
- 使用期限を過ぎる: to go past the use-by date
- 使用期限を確認する: to check the use-by date
- 使用期限内: within the use-by date
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 賞味期限: best-before date — for food; indicates when quality is best, not safety
- 消費期限: expiration date (for consumption) — for perishable food; a safety deadline
- 有効期限: expiration date (for validity) — for licenses, passes, contracts, etc.
NOTE:
In Japan, 使用期限 is most commonly found on medicine packaging and cosmetics. It is distinct from the food-related terms 賞味期限 and 消費期限.