Translation guide
How to express that something is no longer current, valid, or fashionable in Japanese, depending on whether you mean information, technology, food, or style.
この情報は古いです。
This information is out-of-date.
この牛乳は期限切れです。
This milk is out-of-date.
The learner wants to say that facts, news, statistics, or understanding are not up-to-date.
The most common and versatile word for 'old' or 'outdated' information. Can be used in most contexts.
その情報は古いです。
That information is out-of-date.
このデータはもう古いから使えない。
This data is already out-of-date, so we can't use it.
Literally 'behind the times'. Emphasizes that something is outdated compared to current standards or trends. Slightly more formal.
その考え方は時代遅れだ。
That way of thinking is out-of-date.
Means 'not the latest'. A straightforward way to say something isn't up-to-date.
この版は最新ではありません。
This edition is not up-to-date.
The learner wants to describe gadgets, apps, or systems that are no longer supported or modern.
Works for technology as well. Simple and natural.
このソフトは古いバージョンです。
This software is an out-of-date version.
Means 'old model' or 'old type'. Used for equipment, machinery, or systems that are outdated.
Loanword from English 'legacy'. Used in IT contexts for old systems still in use. Technical jargon.
The learner wants to say that a product is expired or no longer safe/effective to use.
Specifically means 'expired' or 'past its expiration date'. Used for food, medicine, coupons, etc.
この牛乳は期限切れだ。
This milk is out-of-date.
期限切れの薬は飲まないでください。
Please don't take out-of-date medicine.
More explicit: 'the use-by date has expired'. Slightly formal.
この缶詰は消費期限が切れている。
This canned food is out-of-date.
The learner wants to say that clothes, music, or ideas are unfashionable or passé.
The go-to word for 'outdated' in terms of fashion or trends.
その服はちょっと時代遅れじゃない？
Aren't those clothes a bit out-of-date?
Slang for 'uncool' or 'lame'. Often used for unfashionable things. Casual.
The learner wants to say that a passport, contract, or certificate has expired or is not accepted.
Means 'expired' or 'invalidated' for official documents, licenses, treaties. Formal.
このパスポートは失効しています。
This passport is out-of-date / invalid.
Also works for documents with an expiration date, like visas or coupons.
Means 'invalid' or 'null and void'. Broader than just expiration; can mean not legally effective.
While 古い can mean 'old', for food past its expiration date, 期限切れ is much more natural. Saying 古い牛乳 might just mean 'old milk' (not necessarily expired).
時代遅れ is broader and can refer to ideas, technology, or fashion being behind the times. 流行遅れ is specifically about trends and fads. For most cases, 時代遅れ is the safer choice.
このプリンターは旧式で、部品がない。
This printer is out-of-date and parts aren't available.
レガシーシステムを更新する必要がある。
We need to update the out-of-date legacy system.
That design is out-of-date / uncool.
Literally 'behind the trend'. Similar to 時代遅れ but more focused on current fads.
その曲はもう流行遅れだ。
That song is already out-of-date.
ビザが期限切れになった。
My visa went out-of-date.
That contract is out-of-date / no longer valid.