fecha de caducidad
/fet͡ʃa de kaduθidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "use by" is translated into Spanish as fecha de caducidad.
In Spanish, this phrase refers to a date printed on a product to indicate when it is no longer safe to consume.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fecha de caducidad literally translates to "date of expiration".
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between safety and quality. Use fecha de caducidad when referring to a "use by" date (safety), whereas fecha de consumo preferente is used for a "best before" date (quality).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region, different phrases are commonly seen on packaging. In Spain, it is common to see Consumir antes de on food and beverage products. In Latin America, the phrases Utilizar antes de and Usar preferentemente antes de are more frequent. Additionally, fecha de vencimiento is a common synonym for expiration date used in many Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/fetʃa de kaduθidad/
Did you know?
- While fecha de caducidad is the technical term, many Spanish speakers colloquially say a product está vencido to mean it has expired.
- The word caducidad is also used in Spanish law to describe the 'statute of limitations' for a crime or a right.
- In Spanish, the word caducidad shares a root with the English word 'caduceus'. Both come from the Latin cadere, meaning 'to fall'.
Examples in context
- La tarjeta de crédito caduca el mes próximo.The credit card expires next month.
- Este vale de descuento es válido hasta el 31 de diciembre.This discount voucher is valid until December 31st.
- Por favor, consume el yogur antes de la fecha indicada.Please consume the yogurt before the indicated date.
- Usar preferentemente antes de: 30/11/2023.Preferably use before: 11/30/2023.
- Consumir antes de la fecha de caducidad.Consume before the expiration date.
- Revisa la fecha de caducidad del yogur.Check the expiration date of the yogurt.
- La fecha de caducidad es muy corta.The expiration date is very short.
- No veo la fecha de caducidad en este envase.I don't see the expiration date on this package.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are checking the groceries in the kitchen.
- Daniel¿Sabes cuál es la fecha de caducidad de la leche?Do you know what the expiration date of the milk is?
- LucíaSí, la fecha de caducidad es mañana.Yes, the expiration date is tomorrow.
- DanielEntonces debemos beberla hoy.Then we should drink it today.
- LucíaDe acuerdo, yo la guardo en la nevera.Okay, I will put it in the fridge.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
