Translation guide
The date after which something is no longer valid, usable, or safe. In Japanese, the term depends on whether it's a food product, a document, a contract, or a subscription.
The date by which a food or drink should be consumed for best quality or safety.
Best-before date; indicates the period during which the product maintains its best taste and quality. Often used for snacks, canned goods, etc.
The best-before date for this snack is next month.
Use-by date; the date after which the food is no longer safe to eat. Typically found on fresh items like meat, dairy, and prepared foods.
Don't drink milk that's past its use-by date.
The date on which a document, license, membership, or official permission ceases to be valid.
Expiration date for documents, credit cards, passports, visas, coupons, etc. Emphasizes the period of validity.
Please check the expiration date on your passport.
General term for deadline or due date. Often used in compounds or when the context is clear.
The date on which a contract, subscription, or service agreement ends.
A generic way to refer to the date something expires, without specifying the type.
Literally 'the day the deadline passes'; used when something has already expired.
This medicine is past its expiration date.
賞味期限 (shōmi kigen) is a 'best-before' date for quality, while 消費期限 (shōhi kigen) is a 'use-by' date for safety. Many learners confuse them, but using the wrong one can lead to food waste or health risks. Always check which one is printed on the package.
消費期限 is only for perishable goods. Using it for a passport or credit card sounds unnatural. Use 有効期限 instead.
このクーポンの有効期限は今月末です。
This coupon expires at the end of this month.
申し込みの期限は明日です。
The application deadline is tomorrow.
My Netflix renewal date is the 15th of every month.