Translation guide
How to express a deadline or time restriction in Japanese, from formal settings to casual conversation.
The point in time by which something must be completed or submitted.
The most common and neutral word for a deadline or time limit, used in formal and everyday contexts.
レポートの提出期限は明日です。
The deadline for submitting the report is tomorrow.
期限を守ってください。
Please meet the deadline.
Commonly used for deadlines, especially for applications, manuscripts, or payments. Slightly more concrete than 期限.
応募の締め切りは来週の金曜日です。
The application deadline is next Friday.
締め切りに間に合わなかった。
I missed the deadline.
Literally 'time restriction', used for time limits in games, tests, or activities.
このゲームには時間制限があります。
This game has a time limit.
Loanword from English, used in casual or specific contexts like games or countdowns.
タイムリミットはあと5分です。
The time limit is 5 minutes left.
The duration allowed to complete a test or exam.
Specifically the time allotted for an exam.
試験時間は90分です。
The exam time limit is 90 minutes.
General term for a time limit, often used in tests or competitions.
制限時間内に問題を解いてください。
Please solve the problems within the time limit.
The date after which something is no longer valid or usable.
Used for expiration dates of documents, licenses, coupons, etc.
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.
Specifically for food 'best-before' date.
Specifically for food 'use-by' date (safety limit).
期限 is a broader term for any time limit or deadline, while 締め切り specifically refers to a closing date or cutoff point, often for submissions. 締め切り implies a stricter, more concrete deadline.
期限は来月ですが、締め切りは今週です。
The time limit is next month, but the deadline is this week.
タイムリミット sounds casual and is mainly used in games or entertainment. For business or academic deadlines, use 期限 or 締め切り.
賞味期限が切れている。
The best-before date has passed.
消費期限を過ぎた食品は食べないでください。
Do not eat food past its use-by date.