期限|きげんkigen[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounterm; period; time frame
2. nountime limit; deadline; cutoff (date)
   すべてのレポートは期限きげんを守まもって提出ていしゅつされなければならない。↗

   All essays must be handed in on time.

• Synonym締め切りしめきりNeutralThe closing time for applications or submissions, as in 「原稿の締め切り」; it centers on the final cutoff, while 「期限」 can also cover a whole period of time.
• Synonym締め切り日しめきりびNeutralThe last day by which something must be done; it stresses the concrete date, while 「期限」 can refer to a whole period or just the cutoff point.
• Synonym期日きじつWrittenAn appointed date set in advance for an action, as in 「支払い期日」; mainly formal writing. 「期限」 stresses a time span or cutoff point rather than a date.
• SynonymデッドラインNeutralLoanword for the very last deadline; it carries a sense of urgency and is common in work settings. 「期限」 is more neutral and much broader in use.
• Related縛りしばりCasualColloquial for a binding restriction; 「2年縛り」 describes being tied to a contract. Unlike 「期限」, it does not refer to a cutoff time.

Use 「期限」 for a set period or time limit such as 「有効期限」. For submission or application cutoffs use 「締め切り」, for an appointed date 「期日」, and for a pressing final deadline 「デッドライン」; 「縛り」 is colloquial for a binding restriction, not a deadline.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 前まえもって決きめられた期間きかん。