过期
guòqī
The English phrase 'expired' is translated into Chinese as 过期 (guòqī).
过期 is used to describe things that are no longer valid. This includes physical items such as food or medicine, as well as abstract items like licenses, passports or contracts.
Meaning: that is no longer valid (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 过, meaning to pass or cross and 期, meaning a period of time or a term.
Which one should you use?
While 过期 is the standard term, 到期了 can also be used informally to express the idea of being expired. In formal legal or technical contexts, the term 失效 is used to indicate that something has expired or become invalid.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate a change of state, such as a document becoming expired, it is standard to add the particle 了 after the verb, resulting in 过期了.
How do you pronounce it?
guòqī
Did you know?
- In China, some consumers use the phrase 过期 to describe a person who has missed their 'prime' or a specific window of opportunity in life or career.
- In Chinese social media slang, 过期 can be used to describe a joke or a meme that is no longer trendy or relevant, similar to the English term 'dated'.
- While 过期 describes a product that is past its date, the word 期 is also used to describe a pregnancy term or a menstrual cycle, linking the idea of an 'expiry' date to biological cycles.
Examples in context
- 我的身份证过期了，我该怎么办？My ID card has expired, what should I do?This sentence is useful for asking for advice after your ID card with the form 过期 has expired.Tatoeba #5611658 by verdastelo9604, translation #4088250 by bandeirante
- 我的驾照已经过期了。My driver's license has expired.
- 这份合同已经失效了。This contract has expired.
- 这个食品已经过期了，不要吃了！This food has expired, don't eat it!
- 我的保险快到期了，我需要续保。My insurance is about to expire, I need to renew it.
- 这罐牛奶已经过期了。Zhè guàn niúnǎi yǐjīng guòqī le.This can of milk has already expired.
- 你的护照好像过期了。Nǐ de hùzhào hǎoxiàng guòqī le.It seems like your passport has expired.
Example conversation
浩然 and 雨婷 are checking the food in the refrigerator.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，快看，这些酸奶过期了。Hàorán, kuài kàn, zhèxiē suānnǎi guòqī le.Haoran, look quickly, this yogurt has expired.
- 浩然 Haoran真的吗？我没发现。Zhēn de ma? Wǒ méi fāxiàn.Really? I didn't notice.
- 雨婷 Yuting别吃了，可能会肚子疼。Bié chī le, kěnéng huì dùzi téng.Don't eat it, you might get a stomachache.
- 浩然 Haoran好的，那我把它扔掉。Hǎo de, nà wǒ bǎ tā rēng diào.Okay, then I'll throw it away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
