jiézhǐ rìqī: 截止日期 - Deadline, Cut-off Date
Quick Summary
Keywords: 截止日期, jiezhiriqi, Chinese deadline, due date in Chinese, cut-off date Chinese, Chinese for deadline, what is jiezhiriqi, how to say deadline in Mandarin, HSK 5 vocabulary.
Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī), the essential Chinese word for “deadline” or “cut-off date”. This guide breaks down the term for beginners, explaining its cultural context, practical use in business and daily life, and providing numerous example sentences. Understand how to use `jiezhiriqi` correctly and avoid common mistakes to sound more like a native speaker.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiézhǐ rìqī
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: The final date by which something must be completed, submitted, or is no longer valid.
In a Nutshell: 截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī) is the standard, formal term for a deadline. It's a very direct and unambiguous word. Think of it as the specific calendar date where an opportunity or requirement “cuts off and stops.” It's used everywhere, from homework assignments and job applications to business contracts and promotional offers.
Character Breakdown
截 (jié): To cut off or to sever. Imagine taking scissors and cutting a rope—that's the feeling of `截`.
止 (zhǐ): To stop or to halt. This character originally depicted a foot, symbolizing the act of stopping in one's tracks.
日 (rì): Sun, but in this context, it means “day” or “date”.
期 (qī): A period of time, a date, or a designated time.
When combined, the logic is very clear: `截止 (jiézhǐ)` means “to cut off and stop.” It creates a strong sense of finality. Adding `日期 (rìqī)`, which means “date,” specifies that this “cut-off point” is a particular day on the calendar. So, `截止日期` literally means “cut-off-stop-date”—the deadline.
Cultural Context and Significance
The concept of a deadline is universal, but the term 截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī) reflects a certain directness and formality common in Chinese administrative and professional communication.
Compared to the English word “deadline,” which has a rather dramatic origin (a line around a prison which prisoners would be shot for crossing), `截止日期` is far more literal and less emotional. It's a functional, administrative term that simply states a fact: this is the point of termination.
In modern Chinese culture, especially in academic and business settings, meeting a `截止日期` is a key indicator of reliability and respect. While the last-minute rush (`赶DDL` - gǎn DDL, literally “rushing the deadline,” using the English acronym) is a common phenomenon among students and young professionals, punctuality is highly valued. Failing to meet a `截止日期` can lead to a loss of trust (`信任 xìnrèn`) and can be seen as a lack of seriousness or capability. The term itself carries a neutral, formal weight, emphasizing the objective nature of the time limit rather than any personal pressure.
Practical Usage in Modern China
截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī) is a formal noun used widely in written notices and formal conversations.
In Academia: Used for homework submissions, thesis deadlines, and application periods.
In Business: Used for project milestones, contract end dates, and payment due dates.
In Government & Administration: Used for tax filings, visa applications, and official registrations.
In Commerce & Marketing: Used for sales, promotions, and contest entries.
While `截止日期` is the proper term, in very casual spoken Chinese, people might use simpler phrasing like `什么时候交?` (shénme shíhòu jiāo? - When is it due?) or `最后一天是什么时候?` (zuìhòu yī tiān shì shénme shíhòu? - When is the last day?). However, `截止日期` is always understood and is the correct term to use in almost any situation.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
报告的截止日期是几号？
Pinyin: Bàogào de jiézhǐ rìqī shì jǐ hào?
English: What is the deadline for the report?
Analysis: A very common and direct question used in a work or school setting. `几号 (jǐ hào)` is a common way to ask “what date”.
Example 2:
你必须在截止日期前提交申请。
Pinyin: Nǐ bìxū zài jiézhǐ rìqī qián tíjiāo shēnqǐng.
English: You must submit the application before the deadline.
Analysis: The structure `在…前 (zài…qián)` means “before…” and is frequently used with `截止日期`.
Example 3:
我差点忘了今天的截止日期！
Pinyin: Wǒ chàdiǎn wàng le jīntiān de jiézhǐ rìqī!
English: I almost forgot today's deadline!
Analysis: `差点 (chàdiǎn)` means “almost” or “nearly,” expressing a close call. This is a very natural-sounding sentence.
Example 4:
我们可以延长这个项目的截止日期吗？
Pinyin: Wǒmen kěyǐ yáncháng zhège xiàngmù de jiézhǐ rìqī ma?
English: Can we extend the deadline for this project?
Analysis: `延长 (yáncháng)` means “to extend” or “to prolong,” a key verb to know when discussing deadlines.
Example 5:
抱歉，您已经错过了报名的截止日期。
Pinyin: Bàoqiàn, nín yǐjīng cuòguò le bàomíng de jiézhǐ rìqī.
English: Sorry, you have already missed the registration deadline.
Analysis: `错过 (cuòguò)` means “to miss (an opportunity),” which is the perfect verb for talking about a missed deadline.
Example 6:
这次活动的报名截止日期为12月31日。
Pinyin: Zhècì huódòng de bàomíng jiézhǐ rìqī wéi shí'èr yuè sānshíyī rì.
English: The registration deadline for this event is December 31st.
Analysis: The structure `…为… (…wéi…)` is a formal way to say “…is…”. It's often used in written announcements.
Example 7:
截止日期定在周三，所以我们没有多少时间了。
Pinyin: Jiézhǐ rìqī dìng zài zhōusān, suǒyǐ wǒmen méiyǒu duōshǎo shíjiān le.
English: The deadline is set for Wednesday, so we don't have much time left.
Analysis: `定在 (dìng zài)` means “to be set at/on,” another useful phrase for defining a deadline.
Example 8:
他总是等到截止日期的最后一分钟才开始工作。
Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì děngdào jiézhǐ rìqī de zuìhòu yī fēnzhōng cái kāishǐ gōngzuò.
English: He always waits until the last minute of the deadline to start working.
Analysis: This sentence perfectly describes procrastination. `最后一分钟 (zuìhòu yī fēnzhōng)` is the Chinese equivalent of “the last minute.”
Example 9:
奖学金申请的截止日期非常严格，没有例外。
Pinyin: Jiǎngxuéjīn shēnqǐng de jiézhǐ rìqī fēicháng yángé, méiyǒu lìwài.
English: The scholarship application deadline is very strict; there are no exceptions.
Analysis: `严格 (yángé)` means “strict,” and `没有例外 (méiyǒu lìwài)` means “no exceptions.”
Example 10:
为了避免延误，请务必记住截止日期。
Pinyin: Wèile bìmiǎn yánwù, qǐng wùbì jìzhù jiézhǐ rìqī.
English: In order to avoid delays, please make sure to remember the deadline.
Analysis: `务必 (wùbì)` is a formal adverb meaning “must” or “be sure to,” adding a serious tone to the request.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī)` vs. `到期 (dàoqī)`: This is a common point of confusion.
截止日期 (jiézhǐ rìqī) is a noun. It is the name of the date itself.
到期 (dàoqī) is a verb phrase. It means “to expire” or “to become due.”
Incorrect Usage: 我的护照明天截止日期。 (Incorrect grammar, noun used as a verb).
Overly Formal for Casual Situations: Using `截止日期` when asking a friend when they want to decide on dinner plans is overkill. It would sound strange and overly formal. In that case, just ask:
最后期限 (zuìhòu qīxiàn) - A synonym meaning “final deadline” or “time limit.” It often carries a bit more urgency than `截止日期`.
到期 (dàoqī) - A verb meaning “to expire” or “to be due.” Describes the state of reaching a deadline.
过期 (guòqī) - A verb meaning “to be expired” or “to have passed the due date.” The state
after missing a deadline.
推迟 (tuīchí) - To postpone or delay. What you might ask a boss or professor to do to a `截止日期`.
提前 (tíqián) - To do something in advance or ahead of schedule. The opposite of procrastinating before a `截止日期`.
按时 (ànshí) - On time, on schedule. How you should ideally complete tasks before the `截止日期`.
日期 (rìqī) - Date. The second half of the term `截止日期`.
期限 (qīxiàn) - A time limit, a deadline. A more general term for a period with a limit. `截止日期` is a specific
date, while `期限` can be a duration (e.g., a three-day limit).