Translation guide
The English word "expiration" has two main meanings: the end of a validity period (e.g., of a document, contract, or food) and the act of breathing out. These are expressed with different Japanese words.
Expressing that something (a document, contract, license, food, etc.) is no longer valid because its time limit has passed.
The most common and versatile term for something being past its expiration date or deadline. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to expire'.
The act of exhaling air from the lungs.
The standard medical/physiological term for exhalation or exhaled breath. Often used in technical contexts.
In casual contexts, using 呼気 or 呼出 sounds overly medical. Use the verb phrase 息を吐く (to breathe out) instead.
息を吐いてから、また吸って。
Breathe out, then breathe in again.
賞味期限 (best-before date) is for foods that degrade slowly in quality; 消費期限 (use-by date) is for perishable foods that become unsafe. Both can be used with 切れ to mean 'expired'.
消費期限が切れた肉は食べないほうがいい。
You shouldn't eat meat that is past its use-by date.
この牛乳は期限切れだ。
This milk is expired.
パスポートが期限切れになった。
My passport has expired.
Used for the natural expiration or completion of a fixed term, especially for contracts, agreements, or official terms of office. More formal than 期限切れ.
契約期間が満了した。
The contract period has expired.
Means 'to become invalid' or 'to lapse', often used for legal documents, licenses, or rights. It implies a loss of effectiveness.
免許が失効した。
The license has expired (become invalid).
Specifically for food that is past its 'best before' date (賞味期限). Note: 消費期限切れ is for perishable 'use by' dates.
この缶詰は賞味期限切れだけど、まだ食べられると思う。
This can is past its best-before date, but I think it's still edible.
呼気に含まれる二酸化炭素の量を測定する。
Measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the expiration.
The everyday verb phrase for 'to exhale' or 'to breathe out'. Literally 'to expel breath'.
ゆっくり息を吐いてください。
Please exhale slowly.