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noun HSK 5
qī xiàn
deadline · time limit · term

Meaning

期限 refers to a specified period of time within which something must be completed or a fixed date by which something is due. It combines the character 期 (period, time) with 限 (limit, boundary) to create the meaning of a temporal boundary or deadline.

Usage

Commonly used in formal and business contexts when discussing due dates, contract terms, or time-sensitive requirements. Often appears with verbs like 到 (arrive at), 延长 (extend), 规定 (stipulate), and 遵守 (observe/comply with). Native speakers use it for both strict deadlines and general time frames.

Examples

  1. 01
    请在规定的期限内完成这个项目。
    Qǐng zài guī dìng de qī xiàn nèi wán chéng zhège xiàng mù.
    Please complete this project within the stipulated deadline.
  2. 02
    合同的期限是三年。
    Hé tong de qī xiàn shì sān nián.
    The term of the contract is three years.

Characters

Measure words

  • 个gè一个期限

Common collocations

  • 规定期限
    guī dìng qī xiàn
    stipulated deadline
  • 延长期限
    yán cháng qī xiàn
    extend the deadline
  • 超过期限
    chāo guò qī xiàn
    exceed the time limit
  • 在期限内
    zài qī xiàn nèi
    within the deadline

Origin

The word combines 期 (originally depicting a meeting at an appointed time) with 限 (showing a boundary or barrier), literally meaning 'time boundary' or 'temporal limit.'

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