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.
The deadline for submitting the report is tomorrow.
Please meet the deadline.
Commonly used for deadlines, especially for applications, manuscripts, or payments. Slightly more concrete than 期限.
The application deadline is next Friday.
I missed the deadline.
Literally 'time restriction', used for time limits in games, tests, or activities.
This game has a time limit.
Loanword from English, used in casual or specific contexts like games or countdowns.
The time limit is 5 minutes left.
The duration allowed to complete a test or exam.
The date after which something is no longer valid or usable.
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.
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.
General term for a time limit, often used in tests or competitions.
Please solve the problems within the time limit.
The best-before date has passed.
Do not eat food past its use-by date.