Gaining knowledge of foreign languages opens up a world of cultural exploration and communication. One important aspect of learning a language is understanding how to express common ideas and concepts, such as the term “expired.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “expired” in Chinese, with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Expired” in Chinese
When it comes to formal settings or situations, it’s crucial to use the appropriate terminology. Here are a few formal ways to say “expired” in Chinese:
1. 过期 (guò qī)
The most common and standard formal term for “expired” in Chinese is 过期 (guò qī). It literally translates to “pass the period.” This term is versatile and can be used for various types of expiration, such as food, documents, or licenses.
“我的驾照已经过期了。” (Wǒ de jiàzhào yǐjīng guòqī le.)
Translation: “My driver’s license has expired.”
2. 失效 (shī xiào)
失效 (shī xiào) is another formal term used to indicate something has “expired” or become “invalid.” It is often used in legal or technical contexts.
“这份合同已经失效了。” (Zhè fèn hétong yǐjīng shīxiào le.)
Translation: “This contract has expired.”
Informal Ways to Say “Expired” in Chinese
When engaging in casual conversations or informal situations, you can use more colloquial terms to say “expired” in Chinese. These terms are commonly used in everyday language:
1. 过期了 (guò qī le)
This informal phrase is derived from the formal term 过期 (guò qī) and simply adds 了 (le) at the end to indicate it has already happened.
“这个食品已经过期了，不要吃了！” (Zhè ge shípǐn yǐjīng guòqī le, bùyào chī le!)
Translation: “This food has expired, don’t eat it!”
2. 到期了 (dào qī le)
到期 (dào qī) means “to come to a deadline” or “to become due,” and when combined with 了 (le), it expresses the idea of something being expired. It is commonly used in everyday conversations.
“我的保险快到期了，我需要续保。” (Wǒ de bǎoxiǎn kuài dàoqī le, wǒ xūyào xùbǎo.)
Translation: “My insurance is about to expire, I need to renew it.”
Regional Variations
Chinese is a rich language with many regional variations. While the above terms are commonly understood throughout various Chinese-speaking regions, it’s important to note some local differences:
1. 过期 (guò qī) vs. 过了 (guò le)
In some regions, such as Taiwan, it is more common to use 过了 (guò le) instead of 过期 (guò qī) to express that something has “expired.” This variation is still informal and carries the same meaning.
2. 到期 (dào qī) vs. 到了 (dào le)
Similar to the previous regional variation, in Taiwan and other regions, it’s common to use 到了 (dào le) rather than 到期 (dào qī) to convey the idea of something being “expired.”
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are various ways to say “expired” in Chinese, both formally and informally. In formal settings, you can use 过期 (guò qī) or 失效 (shī xiào), while in informal conversations, 过期了 (guò qī le) or 到期了 (dào qī le) are commonly used. Remember that regional variations exist, such as 过了 (guò le) or 到了 (dào le), which have similar connotations in different parts of the Chinese-speaking world.
