Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deadline" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deadline", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
期限
きげん (kigen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
締切
しめきり (shimekiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deadline" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 期限 and 締切.
In Japanese, 期限 (きげん (kigen)) is typically associated with "deadline; time limit; expiration" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a deadline, time limit, or expiration date/period. Often used with 期限を守る.
On the other hand, 締切 (しめきり (shimekiri)) maps to "deadline; closing; cut-off date" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a deadline, closing date, or cut-off time for applications, submissions, or projects. Can be used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "deadline" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "期限"
レポートの提出期限を守ることは、非常に大切です。
Obeying the report submission deadline is extremely important.
Bilingual Context for "締切"
レポートの提出_______は、明日の午後5時までとなっています。
The submission deadline for the report is by tomorrow at 5 PM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "レポートの提出 ＿＿＿ を守ることは、非常に大切です。" (Meaning: "Obeying the report submission deadline is extremely important.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "期限" fits here because it means "deadline; time limit; expiration" in the context of: "Obeying the report submission deadline is extremely important.". "締切" represents "deadline; closing; cut-off date".