保质期

• Pinyin: bǎo zhì qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = to maintain; 质 = quality; 期 = period

Meaning

Shelf life; expiration date; best-before period.

The period during which a product, especially food or medicine, maintains its quality and safety for consumption. After the 保质期, the product may degrade in quality or become unsafe. Also used figuratively for things that have a limited useful lifespan.

Examples

1. 这瓶牛奶保质期只有七天，要尽快喝完。 This bottle of milk only has a seven-day shelf life, so finish it soon.
2. 买东西之前先看看保质期，过期的千万别买。 Check the expiration date before buying anything — never buy expired products.
3. 有人说爱情也有保质期，但我不这么认为。 Some say love also has an expiration date, but I don't think so.

Usage Guide

Context: food, shopping, consumer

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 保质期到什么时候？(When does it expire?)
• 已经过了保质期了。(It's already past its expiration date.)

Don't Say

• 对电器说'保质期' (Don't use 保质期 for electronics — use 保修期 for warranty periods instead)

Origin & History

保质 (to maintain quality) + 期 (period). The period of maintained quality.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal