Meaning
deadline; closing date; cutoff
Nuance & Usage
締め切り refers to a deadline — the last date or time by which something must be done or submitted. Common uses: 締め切りを守る (meet a deadline), 締め切りに間に合う (make it by the deadline), 締め切りを過ぎる (miss the deadline). 締め切り日 (shimekiri-bi) specifies the deadline date. In journalism, the word アポ or 〆切 (same word, abbreviated) is used. The verb 締め切る (shimekiru) means to close/cut off.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 締め切り with 期限 (kigen — time limit/expiry). While similar, 締め切り is specifically used for submission deadlines (reports, assignments, applications), while 期限 is broader and includes expiry dates (使用期限 — expiration date). Also: 締め切りに間に合う (make the deadline) vs 締め切りを過ぎる (miss the deadline) — these are very common business phrases worth memorizing.
Example Sentences
レポートの締め切りは来週の金曜日です。
れぽーとのしめきりはらいしゅうのきんようびです。
The deadline for the report is next Friday.
締め切りに間に合うように、今日中に終わらせます。
しめきりにまにあうように、きょうじゅうにおわらせます。
I will finish it today so as to meet the deadline.
申し込みの締め切りはもう過ぎてしまいました。
もうしこみのしめきりはもうすぎてしまいました。
The application deadline has already passed.
Quick Quiz
N44 questionsTest your knowledge of 締め切り with 4 different question types.
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