時効(じこう)

じこう
noun
statute of limitations; ancient history (colloquial)
lawtime-general
1. statute of limitations; prescription
The legal rule by which, once a set period has passed, a crime can no longer be prosecuted or a right can no longer be claimed.
時効(じこう)が成立(せいりつ)した。
The statute of limitations has run out.
殺人罪(さつじんざい)の時効(じこう)は廃止(はいし)された。
The statute of limitations for murder was abolished.
借金(しゃっきん)は一定(いってい)の期間(きかん)請求(せいきゅう)されないと、時効(じこう)で返(かえ)さなくてよくなることがある。
If a debt is not claimed for a certain period, it can become time-barred so that it no longer has to be repaid.
2. (colloquial) too long ago to matter any more
Said jokingly of a past misdeed or secret: so much time has passed that it can now be admitted without consequences.
もう時効(じこう)だよ。
It's ancient history now.
もう時効(じこう)だから言(い)うけど、あの花瓶(かびん)を割(わ)ったのは私(わたし)だ。
It's been so long that I can tell you now: I'm the one who broke that vase.
学生時代(がくせいじだい)の失敗談(しっぱいだん)は、十年(じゅうねん)も経(た)てばもう時効(じこう)みたいなものだ。
After ten years, your blunders from your student days are more or less ancient history.

Common collocations

Cultural note

In 2010 Japan abolished the statute of limitations for murder and other crimes punishable by death, after campaigns by victims' families.

USAGE (sense 2):
もう時効(じこう)だから言(い)うけど (it's been long enough that I can say it now) is a set phrase for confessing an old secret.

general
Added 2026.10.11 22:45 · Revised 2026.10.11 22:47
31500/31903_jikou