Meaning of 期限
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- time limit
- deadline
- allotted time
How to use 期限
期限 is a noun used for formal or official time limits, such as for contracts, visas, payments, or assignments. It often appears with verbs like 规定 (guīdìng, to set), 延长 (yáncháng, to extend), and 超过 (chāoguò, to exceed). Example: 这个任务的期限是下周五。(Zhège rènwù de qīxiàn shì xià zhōuwǔ.) The deadline for this task is next Friday.
期 (qī) means a set period of time, as in 星期 (xīngqī) week and 学期 (xuéqī) semester, and 限 (xiàn) means a limit. Put them together and you get the limit at the end of a period: a deadline.
Common mistake: Learners often confuse 期限 with 日期 (rìqī). 日期 is just a date, while 期限 is the time limit by which something must be done. Also keep the tones straight: 期 is first tone qī and 限 is fourth tone xiàn, not xián.
期限 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
期 qī · a period of time · 12 strokes
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限 xiàn · to limit · 8 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 期限.
| 星期 | xīngqī | week; day of the week |
| 日期 | rìqī | date |
| 星期天 | xīngqītiān | Sunday |
| 星期日 | xīngqīrì | Sunday |
| 假期 | jiàqī | holiday period; vacation |
| 学期 | xuéqī | term; semester |
| 长期 | chángqī | long-term; for a protracted period |
| 定期 | dìngqī | at set dates; at regular intervals |
| 短期 | duǎnqī | short-term |
| 近期 | jìnqī | near in time; in the near future |
| 期待 | qīdài | to look forward to; to await |
| 期间 | qījiān | period of time; time |
Questions about 期限
What does 期限 mean?
期限 (qīxiàn) means "time limit; deadline" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 期限?
期限 is made of 2 characters: 期 (12 strokes), 限 (8 strokes). That is 20 strokes in total.
Is 期限 an HSK word?
Yes. 期限 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 期限 and 截止日期?
截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī) points to the exact final date, like a deadline on a form. 期限 can mean the final date or the whole allowed period, for example 三个月的期限 (a three-month time limit).
Can I use 期限 in casual conversation about homework?
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. In everyday speech people often just say 什么时候交 (shénme shíhou jiāo, when is it due) instead.