期限（きげん、kigen）
- deadline

The Japanese word 期限 きげん primarily means "deadline," "time limit," or "term." It refers to the specific point in time by which something must be completed, or a period during which something is valid or effective. It can be used in various contexts, from contracts and payments to applications and expiry dates. The word implies a sense of finality; once the 期限 has passed, the action, agreement, or validity usually ceases.

⚫︎ 契約の期限 Translation: Contract deadline / Term of a contract ⚫︎ 納期の期限 Translation: Delivery deadline ⚫︎ パスポートの期限 Translation: Passport expiration date

You use 期限 when discussing deadlines, time limits, or the validity period of something. ⚫︎ It's common in formal and informal settings. ⚫︎ You can use it in discussions about: ⚫︎ The due date for an assignment ⚫︎ The expiration date of a product ⚫︎ The duration of a subscription service ⚫︎ The final date for making a payment

⚫︎ 期限 is written using the kanji 期限. ⚫︎ The reading is きげん in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana for this word.

⚫︎ 締め切り (しめきり) - Deadline (more commonly used for assignments, applications, etc.) ⚫︎ 期日 (きじつ) - Due date; fixed date ⚫︎ 有効期間 (ゆうこうきかん) - Validity period ⚫︎ タイムリミット (taimurimitto) - Time limit (loanword from English)

While there isn't a direct antonym, words or phrases that imply "no limit" or "indefinite" could be considered opposites in concept: ⚫︎ 無期限 (むきげん) - Indefinite; without a time limit ⚫︎ 制限なし (せいげん なし) - Without a limit; unrestricted

この書類の提出期限は金曜日です。 ・Translation: The deadline for submitting this document is Friday. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 期限 to specify when a document must be submitted.

クレジットカードの期限が切れました。 ・Translation: My credit card has expired. ・Explanation: This sentence utilizes 期限 to convey the expiration of a credit card.

The word 期限 is formed from the following elements: ⚫︎ 期 (き) - meaning "period", "time", "term" ⚫︎ 限 (げん) - meaning "limit", "bound" Together, they form a compound word representing the idea of a "limited period of time" or a "deadline."