期限 (qīxiàn) — deadline; time limit
HSK 4 | noun | a fixed deadline or time limit for completing something
期限 (qīxiàn)
期限 means a deadline or time limit, referring to the fixed date or period by which something must be done.
Meanings
- [noun] deadline; time limit; a set period within which something must be completed
Example Sentences
这个项目的期限是下周五。 Zhège xiàngmù de qīxiàn shì xià zhōuwǔ. The deadline for this project is next Friday.
我们必须在规定期限内完成任务。 Wǒmen bìxū zài guīdìng qīxiàn nèi wánchéng rènwu. We must complete the task within the set deadline.
签证的有效期限是三个月。 Qiānzhèng de yǒuxiào qīxiàn shì sān gè yuè. The validity period of the visa is three months.
请注意报名期限，不要错过机会。 Qǐng zhùyì bàomíng qīxiàn, bùyào cuòguò jīhuì. Please note the registration deadline; don't miss the opportunity.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 规定期限 | set deadline |
| 有效期限 | validity period |
| 在期限内 | within the deadline |
| 超过期限 | to exceed the deadline |
Usage Notes
期限 is a formal noun used in administrative, legal, and academic contexts. It specifies a concrete cutoff point. Compare with 截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī), which more specifically means a cutoff date. 期限 can refer to both a date and a duration, making it slightly broader.
Memory Hook
期 means "scheduled time" and 限 means "limit": 期限 is the scheduled limit, the moment when time runs out.