When you buy food in Japan, you'll often see the kanji 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) on the packaging. This is super important because it tells you the best-before date for the food's quality.
It means the food is still good to eat after this date, but it might not taste as fresh or be at its best quality. Think of it like a suggestion for when the food will taste its absolute best. You'll usually find this on things like snacks, bread, and drinks.
When you see 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) on food in Japan, it indicates the "best by" or "best before" date. This is about food quality, meaning the food is still safe to eat after this date, but its flavor or texture might not be at its peak. It's different from 消費期限 (shouhikigen), which is a strict expiration date for safety.
For example, you might see 賞味期限 on snacks, drinks, or canned goods. Even a day or two past this date, most items are still perfectly fine to consume. Think of it as a recommendation for the freshest taste experience.
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) is the 'best-before' date on food products. It indicates how long the food is expected to retain its quality and taste, not necessarily when it becomes unsafe to eat. Often, you can still consume food past this date, though its flavor or texture might be diminished.
It's different from 消費期限 (shouhikigen), which is the 'expiration date' and indicates when food is no longer safe to consume. So, think of 賞味期限 as more of a suggestion for optimal enjoyment. Many Japanese households will still use products a little past their 賞味期限, especially for things like canned goods or snacks.
賞味期限 in 30 Seconds
- B1
- Food labels
- Quality vs. Safety
§ Understanding 賞味期限 (shoumikigen)
賞味期限 (しゅうみきげん, shōmikigen) literally means "best before date." You'll see this on food products. It tells you when the food is at its best quality for taste. It's not a strict expiration date, so food might still be safe to eat after this date, but the quality might not be as good. Think of it as a recommendation for peak deliciousness.
- Japanese Word
- 賞味期限 (しょうみきげん)
- Part of Speech
- Noun
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- Best-before date (for taste quality).
§ How to use 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) in a sentence
You can use 賞味期限 in a few ways. It often appears with verbs like ある (aru - to have), 切れる (kireru - to expire/run out), or in phrases indicating proximity to the date.
§ Basic Usage: 賞味期限がある (shoumikigen ga aru) - It has a best-before date
This is a straightforward way to state that a product has a best-before date. You'll often see this used when referring to a product in general.
この牛乳は賞味期限があります。
This milk has a best-before date.
パンには賞味期限があるから早く食べよう。
Bread has a best-before date, so let's eat it quickly.
§ Talking about the date itself: 賞味期限はXです (shoumikigen wa X desu) - The best-before date is X
When you want to specify what the actual best-before date is, you can use this structure.
このヨーグルトの賞味期限は明日です。
The best-before date for this yogurt is tomorrow.
賞味期限は2024年12月31日と書いてあります。
It says the best-before date is December 31, 2024.
§ 賞味期限が切れる (shoumikigen ga kireru) - The best-before date expires/runs out
This phrase is very common when you want to talk about the date passing. 切れる (kireru) means to cut, but in this context, it means to run out or expire.
卵の賞味期限が切れそうだよ。
The eggs' best-before date is about to expire.
賞味期限が切れたから捨てましょう。
Let's throw it away because the best-before date has passed.
§ Near the best-before date: 賞味期限が近い (shoumikigen ga chikai) or 賞味期限が近いもの (shoumikigen ga chikai mono)
When food is approaching its best-before date, you can use these phrases. This is especially useful in a store setting or when checking your fridge.
賞味期限が近い食品を割引しています。
We are discounting food items with a close best-before date.
冷蔵庫に賞味期限が近いものがたくさんある。
There are many items in the fridge with a close best-before date.
§ More Advanced Uses and Grammar Notes
You can also use 賞味期限 as a modifying noun.
賞味期限内 (shōmikigen-nai): Within the best-before date.
賞味期限切れ (shōmikigen-gire): Past the best-before date (often used as a noun itself).
賞味期限内の食品は美味しく食べられます。
Food within its best-before date can be eaten deliciously.
賞味期限切れの商品なので、半額です。
It's an item past its best-before date, so it's half price.
Fun Fact
This term specifically refers to the date until which food is at its best quality for taste. It's different from 消費期限 (shouhikigen), which is a 'use-by date' for safety.
Difficulty Rating
Four kanji, but common in everyday life.
Writing all four kanji correctly might be challenging for some.
Fairly straightforward pronunciation, though '期限' might be tricky for beginners.
Common in daily conversations, so good exposure.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
この牛乳、賞味期限が今日までだよ。
This milk, best-before date is until today.
賞味期限が切れた食べ物は食べないほうがいい。
It's better not to eat food past its best-before date.
卵の賞味期限はパックに書いてあるよ。
The best-before date for eggs is written on the pack.
このパン、賞味期限が過ぎてる。
This bread, its best-before date has passed.
賞味期限と消費期限は違う。
Best-before date and expiration date are different.
カップ麺の賞味期限は長い。
Instant noodles' best-before date is long.
冷蔵庫に賞味期限の近いものがある？
Are there things in the fridge with a close best-before date?
このお菓子は賞味期限が短いから早く食べよう。
This snack has a short best-before date, so let's eat it soon.
この牛乳、賞味期限が今日までだよ。
This milk, best-before date is until today.
〜まで: until, up to
賞味期限が切れた食べ物、食べても大丈夫？
Food past its best-before date, is it okay to eat?
〜が切れる: to expire, to run out
このお菓子は賞味期限が長いから、お土産にいいですね。
This snack has a long best-before date, so it's good for a souvenir.
〜から: because
賞味期限と消費期限、どう違うんですか？
Best-before date and expiration date, how are they different?
〜と〜: and; どう違う: how different
賞味期限が近い商品は割引されることがあります。
Products with a close best-before date are sometimes discounted.
〜が近い: is close; 〜される: passive voice
賞味期限内に食べきれない場合は、冷凍保存しましょう。
If you can't finish it within the best-before date, let's freeze it.
〜内に: within; 〜場合は: in case of
賞味期限の表示は食品によって違います。
The display of the best-before date differs depending on the food.
〜によって: depending on
賞味期限を過ぎても、すぐに食べられなくなるわけではありません。
Even if the best-before date passes, it doesn't mean it immediately becomes inedible.
〜を過ぎる: to pass; 〜わけではない: it doesn't mean that
この牛乳は賞味期限が今日までなので、早く飲んだほうがいいですよ。
This milk's best-before date is today, so it's better to drink it soon.
賞味期限が過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありませんが、風味は落ちます。
Even after the best-before date, it doesn't mean it immediately becomes inedible, but the flavor will decline.
お土産でいただいたお菓子、賞味期限が近いので気をつけてください。
The sweets I received as a souvenir, please be careful as their best-before date is approaching.
スーパーで賞味期限が近い商品が割引されていることがあります。
At supermarkets, products with an approaching best-before date are sometimes discounted.
冷蔵庫にあるヨーグルト、賞味期限を確認してから食べてくださいね。
Please check the best-before date of the yogurt in the fridge before eating it.
賞味期限と消費期限は異なるので、注意が必要です。
The best-before date and the expiration date are different, so caution is necessary.
この缶詰は賞味期限が長いので、非常食にもなります。
This canned food has a long best-before date, so it can also be used as emergency food.
賞味期限切れの食品を捨てるのはもったいないと思う。
I think it's a waste to throw away food past its best-before date.
Often Confused With
Often mistaken for 賞味期限. 消費期限 is a strict expiration date for safety, especially for highly perishable goods. 賞味期限 is for best taste quality.
A general term for 'deadline' or 'limit'. When referring to food, it often implies an expiration date (like 消費期限), but without the nuance of 'best before' (賞味期限).
These terms refer to use-by or validity dates for non-food items, and should not be confused with food-related dates like 賞味期限 or 消費期限.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"賞味期限が切れる (shoumikigen ga kireru)"
To pass the best-before date
この牛乳、賞味期限が切れてるよ。
neutral"賞味期限切れ (shoumikigen gire)"
Past the best-before date (often used as a noun or adjective)
賞味期限切れのパンは食べない方がいい。
neutral"賞味期限を確認する (shoumikigen o kakunin suru)"
To check the best-before date
買い物をする時は、賞味期限をよく確認しましょう。
neutral"賞味期限内 (shoumikigen nai)"
Within the best-before date
賞味期限内なら安心して食べられます。
neutral"賞味期限が近い (shoumikigen ga chikai)"
Approaching the best-before date
このヨーグルトは賞味期限が近いから、早く食べちゃおう。
neutral"賞味期限の表示 (shoumikigen no hyouji)"
Best-before date indication/label
食品には賞味期限の表示が義務付けられています。
neutral"賞味期限と消費期限 (shoumikigen to shouhikigen)"
Best-before date and expiration date (often discussed together to highlight the difference)
賞味期限と消費期限の違いを知っていますか？
neutral"賞味期限を気にする (shoumikigen o ki ni suru)"
To be concerned about the best-before date
彼女は賞味期限をすごく気にするタイプだ。
neutral"賞味期限が長い/短い (shoumikigen ga nagai/mijikai)"
Having a long/short best-before date
缶詰は賞味期限が長いから非常食に良い。
neutral"賞味期限が過ぎた (shoumikigen ga sugita)"
The best-before date has passed (similar to 切れる, but often implies already passed)
このお菓子、賞味期限が過ぎてるけど、まだ食べられるかな？
neutralEasily Confused
Many English speakers confuse 賞味期限 with 期限 (expiration date). While both relate to food freshness, 賞味期限 specifically refers to the date until which food is at its best quality for taste, not necessarily unsafe after this date. 期限 (expiration date) indicates when the food becomes unsafe to eat.
賞味期限 means 'best before date' (for quality), while 期限 means 'expiration date' (for safety). Food past its 賞味期限 might still be edible, just not at peak quality. Food past its 期限 should not be consumed.
この牛乳の賞味期限は明日までです。 (This milk's best-before date is until tomorrow.)
This is another date often confused with 賞味期限. While 賞味期限 is about taste quality, 消費期限 is a strict expiration date, particularly for perishable goods. It indicates when the food is no longer safe to eat.
賞味期限 is 'best before' (quality), 消費期限 is 'expiration date' (safety). Think of 消費期限 for highly perishable items like fresh meat or deli items.
このお弁当の消費期限は今日中です。 (This bento's expiration date is today.)
This is a general term for 'deadline' or 'limit,' and when used in the context of food, it often specifically implies an expiration date. It's often used interchangeably with 消費期限 for safety, leading to confusion with 賞味期限.
期限 is a broader term for 'deadline' or 'limit'. While it can mean 'expiration date' for food (especially when paired with 消費-), it doesn't carry the 'best before' nuance of 賞味期限.
このレポートの提出期限は金曜日です。 (The deadline for this report is Friday.)
Similar to food dates, this term applies to products like cosmetics or medicine. It specifies the date until which a product is effective or safe to use, and is different from food-related dates.
使用期限 is 'use-by date' for non-food items (e.g., medicine, cosmetics), indicating when it's no longer effective or safe. It's not for food.
この薬の使用期限は来月です。 (The use-by date for this medicine is next month.)
This term refers to a period of validity, often for things like passports, tickets, or coupons. It's about when something is no longer valid, rather than when it's no longer safe to consume or use.
有効期限 means 'validity period' or 'expiration date' for things like documents, tickets, or memberships. It's about validity, not product safety or quality.
このパスポートの有効期限は5年です。 (This passport's validity period is 5 years.)
Sentence Patterns
〜の賞味期限
牛乳の賞味期限 (milk's best-before date)
賞味期限はいつですか？
このヨーグルトの賞味期限はいつですか？ (When is this yogurt's best-before date?)
賞味期限が〜です。
賞味期限は明後日です。 (The best-before date is the day after tomorrow.)
賞味期限が近い
賞味期限が近いので、早く食べましょう。 (The best-before date is near, so let's eat it quickly.)
賞味期限が過ぎる
賞味期限が過ぎた卵は大丈夫ですか？ (Are eggs past their best-before date okay?)
賞味期限切れ
賞味期限切れの食品 (expired best-before food)
How to Use It
賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) refers to the 'best-before' date on food products. This is about the quality of the food, like taste and texture. It's usually found on snacks, bread, and other items that might not spoil quickly but could lose their freshness. You can often still eat food past its 賞味期限, but the quality might not be as good.
Many learners confuse 賞味期限 (best-before date) with 消費期限 (shouhi kigen), which is the 'expiration date.' 消費期限 is about safety, meaning you shouldn't eat the food past this date because it could be harmful. 賞味期限 is about quality, so eating something past this date is generally safe, just less tasty. Remember: 賞味期限 = Quality (still okay to eat, but less fresh); 消費期限 = Safety (don't eat past this date).
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: 賞 (shou) means 'to appreciate/enjoy,' 味 (mi) means 'taste/flavor,' 期限 (kigen) means 'time limit/deadline.'
JaponicCultural Context
In Japan, there are two important dates on food products: 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) and 消費期限 (shouhikigen). 賞味期限 indicates when the food is at its peak quality for taste, while 消費期限 is a strict 'use-by' date for safety. This distinction helps consumers understand food longevity and reduce waste.
Test Yourself 120 questions
Which of these would most likely have a 賞味期限 (shoumikigen)?
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) is used for food items.
If something has a 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) of 'today', what does it mean?
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) indicates when the food is at its best quality.
You buy some bread. Where would you look for the 賞味期限 (shoumikigen)?
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) is printed on food packaging.
If a food item's 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) has passed, it is always dangerous to eat.
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) is about quality/taste, not necessarily safety. It might still be safe to eat.
You can find 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) on a fresh apple you picked from a tree.
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) is typically for packaged foods, not fresh produce like a picked apple.
Checking the 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) of food is a good habit.
It's good to check 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) to enjoy food at its best quality.
Write a short sentence using 賞味期限. For example, 'This milk's best-before date is tomorrow.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この牛乳の賞味期限は明日です。 (Kono gyuunyuu no shoumikigen wa ashita desu.)
Imagine you are checking a food item. Write a simple question asking about its best-before date.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
賞味期限はありますか？ (Shoumikigen wa arimasu ka?)
You see a food item that is past its best-before date. Write a simple statement saying it is past its best-before date.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
賞味期限が過ぎました。 (Shoumikigen ga sugimashita.)
When is the best-before date for this bread?
Read this passage:
このパンは賞味期限が今日です。新しいパンを買いたいです。 (Kono pan wa shoumikigen ga kyou desu. Atarashii pan o kaitai desu.)
When is the best-before date for this bread?
The passage says '賞味期限が今日です' (shoumikigen ga kyou desu), meaning 'the best-before date is today'.
The passage says '賞味期限が今日です' (shoumikigen ga kyou desu), meaning 'the best-before date is today'.
What should you check for the milk?
Read this passage:
牛乳の賞味期限を見てください。まだ大丈夫ですか？ (Gyuunyuu no shoumikigen o mite kudasai. Mada daijoubu desu ka?)
What should you check for the milk?
The sentence '牛乳の賞味期限を見てください' (gyuunyuu no shoumikigen o mite kudasai) means 'Please look at the milk's best-before date'.
The sentence '牛乳の賞味期限を見てください' (gyuunyuu no shoumikigen o mite kudasai) means 'Please look at the milk's best-before date'.
What is special about this snack's best-before date?
Read this passage:
このお菓子は賞味期限が短いです。早く食べてください。 (Kono okashi wa shoumikigen ga mijikai desu. Hayaku tabete kudasai.)
What is special about this snack's best-before date?
The passage states '賞味期限が短いです' (shoumikigen ga mijikai desu), which means 'the best-before date is short'.
The passage states '賞味期限が短いです' (shoumikigen ga mijikai desu), which means 'the best-before date is short'.
This sentence means 'This milk's best-before date is today.' The order follows a typical Japanese sentence structure: topic (この牛乳は) -> details (賞味期限が) -> predicate (今日です).
This means 'Please check the bento's best-before date.' The order is: object (お弁当の賞味期限を) -> verb (確認してください).
This sentence means 'This bread is still within its best-before date.' The order is: topic (このパンは) -> adverb (まだ) -> predicate (賞味期限内です).
この牛乳の___はいつまでですか？ (When is the best-before date for this milk?)
「賞味期限」は食品がおいしく食べられる期間を示します。「消費期限」は安全に食べられる期限です。
お菓子のパッケージに___が書いてあります。 (The best-before date is written on the snack package.)
食べ物の鮮度に関する情報なので、「賞味期限」が適切です。
___が近いので、早く食べたほうがいいですよ。 (The best-before date is approaching, so it's better to eat it soon.)
食品の鮮度を表す言葉なので、「賞味期限」が正解です。
このパンは___が昨日でした。 (The best-before date for this bread was yesterday.)
食べられる期限を表すので、「賞味期限」が適切です。
___を確認してから、食品を買うようにしています。 (I try to check the best-before date before buying food.)
食品の品質を判断する重要な情報なので、「賞味期限」が正しいです。
冷蔵庫にある牛乳は___が過ぎていました。 (The milk in the refrigerator was past its best-before date.)
食品の品質保持期限なので、「賞味期限」が正しい選択です。
You are at a Japanese supermarket. You want to ask a store clerk if a food item is still good to eat. Write a short sentence to ask about the best-before date.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これ、賞味期限はいつまでですか？ (Kore, shōmikigen wa itsu made desu ka? - Until when is this best before?)
You bought some milk and noticed the best-before date is tomorrow. Write a short sentence to express that the best-before date is soon.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この牛乳、賞味期限は明日です。(Kono gyūnyū, shōmikigen wa ashita desu. - This milk's best-before date is tomorrow.)
Your friend offers you a snack. You see the best-before date has passed. Write a short sentence to decline, mentioning the best-before date.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ありがとう、でも賞味期限が過ぎています。(Arigatō, demo shōmikigen ga sugite imasu. - Thank you, but the best-before date has passed.)
What is the best-before date for the bread?
Read this passage:
このパンの賞味期限は、今日までです。でも、まだ食べられますよ。
What is the best-before date for the bread?
「今日までです」means 'until today'.
「今日までです」means 'until today'.
When should the bento box be eaten by?
Read this passage:
お弁当の賞味期限は、午後の3時までです。早く食べてください。
When should the bento box be eaten by?
「午後の3時までです」means 'until 3 PM'.
「午後の3時までです」means 'until 3 PM'.
Why is this snack cheap?
Read this passage:
このお菓子は賞味期限が近いので、安くなっています。
Why is this snack cheap?
「賞味期限が近い」means 'the best-before date is near'.
「賞味期限が近い」means 'the best-before date is near'.
この牛乳の___はいつまでですか？ (When is the best-before date for this milk?)
「賞味期限」は食品を美味しく食べられる期間を指します。(Shoumikigen refers to the period during which food can be enjoyed deliciously.)
お菓子のパッケージに___が書いてあります。 (The best-before date is written on the snack package.)
食品の期限は通常「賞味期限」と記載されます。(The expiration date for food is usually written as 'shoumikigen'.)
___が過ぎても、すぐに食べられなくなるわけではありません。 (Even if the best-before date has passed, it doesn't mean it immediately becomes inedible.)
「賞味期限」は品質の保持期間の目安です。(Shoumikigen is a guideline for the period of quality retention.)
このパンは___が今日までです。 (This bread's best-before date is until today.)
パンの美味しく食べられる期限を指します。(It refers to the date until which bread can be enjoyed deliciously.)
私はいつも食べ物の___をチェックしてから買います。 (I always check the best-before date of food before buying it.)
食品の新鮮さを確認するためです。(This is to confirm the freshness of the food.)
このジュースの___は来月です。 (This juice's best-before date is next month.)
飲み物の美味しく飲める期間を指します。(It refers to the period during which a drink can be enjoyed deliciously.)
The best-before date for this milk.
It's past the best-before date.
The best-before date for this snack is next month.
Read this aloud:
このパンの賞味期限は今日までです。
Focus: しょうみきげん
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
賞味期限が近い商品から使いましょう。
Focus: ちかい
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
冷蔵庫に賞味期限の過ぎたヨーグルトがあります。
Focus: すぎた
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'This milk's best-before date is today.'
This sentence means 'Please check the best-before date of the bento box.'
This sentence means 'Since the best-before date has passed, I can't eat it.'
この牛乳は今日の___が切れているから、飲まない方がいいよ。
賞味期限 (shoumikigen) refers to the 'best-before date,' meaning the quality is best before this date, but it's generally still safe to consume afterward, unlike 消費期限 (shouhikigen), which is a strict 'expiration date.' The context implies a recommendation against drinking it due to diminished quality, not necessarily danger.
お土産のお菓子は___が近いので、早く食べた方がいいですよ。
For snacks (お菓子), '賞味期限' (best-before date) is the appropriate term, indicating when the item is at its peak quality. '消費期限' (expiration date) is typically used for highly perishable foods.
___が過ぎたからといって、すぐに食べられなくなるわけではない。
This sentence emphasizes that even after the '賞味期限' (best-before date) has passed, the food is not immediately inedible, which is the defining characteristic of 賞味期限. If it were 消費期限 (expiration date), it would imply it becomes inedible.
このヨーグルトはまだ___内だから、安心して食べられる。
The phrase '安心して食べられる' (can eat with peace of mind) implies that the food is still in good condition, fitting with '賞味期限' (best-before date). While '消費期限' (expiration date) would also mean it's safe, '賞味期限' specifically highlights the quality aspect.
冷蔵庫の奥から出てきたプリンは、___が2日前に切れていた。
For items like pudding, '賞味期限' (best-before date) is commonly used. While '消費期限' (expiration date) is also possible for perishable items, '賞味期限' is a more general term for when quality is at its peak.
スーパーで半額になっていたパンは、___が今日までだった。
Often, items on sale at supermarkets, especially baked goods like bread, are discounted because their '賞味期限' (best-before date) is approaching or is on that day, making it safe but encouraging quick consumption.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: この牛乳の___は明日までです。
The sentence is talking about the date until which the milk tastes best. 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) means 'best-before date'. 消費期限 (shouhi kigen) means 'expiration date' (after which it might be unsafe to consume). 製造年月日 (seizou nengappi) means 'date of manufacture'. 購入日 (kounyuu hi) means 'date of purchase'.
Which of the following items is most likely to have a 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) instead of a 消費期限 (shouhi kigen)?
缶詰 (canned food) often has a 賞味期限 because it is shelf-stable and remains safe to eat for a long time, but its quality (taste, texture) might slightly decline after that date. おにぎり (rice ball), パン (bread), and 豆腐 (tofu) are perishable and typically have a 消費期限, meaning they should not be consumed after that date for safety reasons.
You see a food product with the label 賞味期限. What does this indicate?
賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) refers to the 'best-before date', indicating when the food product is at its best quality and taste. It does not mean it's unsafe to eat immediately after, unlike 消費期限 (shouhi kigen).
If a product has passed its 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen), it is always dangerous to eat.
False. 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) indicates the date until which the product maintains its best quality and taste. It doesn't necessarily mean it's dangerous to eat after that date, although the quality might have deteriorated. For safety, you should check for 消費期限 (shouhi kigen) which is the 'expiration date'.
スーパーで買ったお弁当には、たいてい賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) が記載されています。
False. お弁当 (bento/lunch box) are perishable and typically have a 消費期限 (shouhi kigen - expiration date) because they contain fresh ingredients and can become unsafe to eat quickly. 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) is for products that maintain quality for a longer period.
食品の「賞味期限」は、品質が最も良いとされる期間を示す。
True. The definition of 賞味期限 (shoumi kigen) is indeed the period during which the food product is considered to be of the best quality and taste.
The best-before date for this milk has passed.
Until when is the best-before date for instant noodles?
The best-before date is near, so let's eat it soon.
Read this aloud:
このパンの賞味期限は今日までです。
Focus: しょうみきげん (shōmikigen), きょう (kyō)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
牛乳は賞味期限が短いですね。
Focus: ぎゅうにゅう (gyūnyū), みじかい (mijikai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
このお菓子はまだ賞味期限内です。
Focus: おかし (okashi), しょうみきげんない (shōmikigennai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a supermarket and find a discount item. Write a short note to a friend explaining why it's discounted and if it's still good to eat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このお菓子は賞味期限が近いから割引されているよ。まだ大丈夫だと思うから、一緒に食べない？
You're checking your fridge and find something that's past its best-before date. Write a short diary entry about what you found and what you'll do with it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冷蔵庫に賞味期限が過ぎたヨーグルトを見つけた。まだ食べられそうだけど、念のため捨てよう。もったいないな。
Write an email to a food manufacturer asking about the difference between '賞味期限' and '消費期限' for their products.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
貴社の製品について質問があります。「賞味期限」と「消費期限」の違いについて、詳しく教えていただけますでしょうか。
この文章によると、なぜ日本のスーパーでは賞味期限が近い商品が割引されることが多いですか？
Read this passage:
日本のスーパーでは、賞味期限が近い商品が割引されることがよくあります。これは食品ロスを減らすための取り組みの一つです。消費者は、割引された商品を購入することで、お得に買い物を楽しむことができますが、食べる前に賞味期限を確認することが大切です。
この文章によると、なぜ日本のスーパーでは賞味期限が近い商品が割引されることが多いですか？
文章中に「食品ロスを減らすための取り組みの一つです」と明記されています。
文章中に「食品ロスを減らすための取り組みの一つです」と明記されています。
「賞味期限」が過ぎた食品は、どのような状態になる可能性がありますか？
Read this passage:
賞味期限は、食品をおいしく食べられる期間を示すものです。この期間を過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありませんが、風味や食感が落ちることがあります。一方、消費期限は、安全に食べられる期間を示しており、これを過ぎた食品は食べない方が良いとされています。
「賞味期限」が過ぎた食品は、どのような状態になる可能性がありますか？
文章中に「この期間を過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありませんが、風味や食感が落ちることがあります」と記載されています。
文章中に「この期間を過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありませんが、風味や食感が落ちることがあります」と記載されています。
田中さんは、賞味期限が切れた牛乳をどうしようとしましたか？
Read this passage:
ある日の午後、田中さんは冷蔵庫の中を整理していました。そこで、牛乳パックの賞味期限が昨日で切れていることに気づきました。しかし、まだ匂いも変ではなく、見た目も悪くなかったので、田中さんは「お腹を壊すかもしれないけど、もったいないから飲んでしまおう」と考えました。
田中さんは、賞味期限が切れた牛乳をどうしようとしましたか？
文章の最後に「お腹を壊すかもしれないけど、もったいないから飲んでしまおう」と書かれています。
文章の最後に「お腹を壊すかもしれないけど、もったいないから飲んでしまおう」と書かれています。
This sentence means 'The best-before date for this milk is until tomorrow.' It's a common phrase you'd use when checking food dates.
This translates to 'Since the best-before date has passed, it's better not to eat it.' A useful phrase for food safety.
This means 'Please check the best-before date of the souvenir sweets.' Important for gifts!
スーパーで買ったヨーグルトの賞味期限が昨日まででした。どうしますか？
賞味期限は品質の目安であり、安全性を直接示すものではありません。匂いや見た目で判断することが一般的です。
友人から賞味期限が来週のレトルトカレーをもらいました。どのように認識しますか？
賞味期限は品質が保たれる期間を示すため、その期間内は美味しく食べられることを意味します。過ぎた後は品質が落ちる可能性がありますが、直ちに危険というわけではありません。
お土産でもらったクッキーに『賞味期限：24.05.15』と記載されています。これは何を意味しますか？
賞味期限は、製品がその品質を保ち、美味しく食べられる期限を示します。
賞味期限が過ぎた食品は、絶対に食べてはいけない。
賞味期限は品質の目安であり、過ぎたからといって直ちに食べられなくなるわけではありません。ただし、個別の状況に応じて判断が必要です。
賞味期限は、食品の味が最も良い状態で保たれる期間を示す。
その通りです。賞味期限は、風味や美味しさの品質が保たれる期間を指します。
消費期限と賞味期限は同じ意味である。
消費期限は安全に食べられる期限を示し、賞味期限は美味しく食べられる期限を示します。これらは異なる概念です。
The milk has passed its best-before date, so it's probably better not to drink it.
Please check the best-before date of the product before purchasing.
It's important to understand the difference between 'best-before date' and 'expiration date'.
Read this aloud:
このヨーグルトは賞味期限が近いので、今日中に食べた方がいいですか？
Focus: しょうみきげん
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
賞味期限が切れた食品でも、すぐに捨てる必要はないと聞きました。
Focus: すぐに捨てる必要はない
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
冷蔵庫にある食品の賞味期限を定期的に確認していますか？
Focus: 定期的に確認
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence translates to 'This milk is past its best-before date.' The natural order in Japanese is 'this milk' (この牛乳は) followed by 'best-before date' (賞味期限が) and then 'is expired' (切れています).
This sentence means 'Please buy it after checking the best-before date.' The structure starts with 'best-before date' (賞味期限を), then 'after checking' (確認してから), and finally 'please buy' (買ってください).
This sentence translates to 'This bread is still within its best-before date. You can eat it.' The first part establishes the status of the bread, and the second part gives a consequence.
この牛乳は___が今日までなので、早く飲んでください。
「賞味期限」は食品の味が保証される期限で、期限を過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありません。「消費期限」は安全に食べられる期限です。
お土産のクッキー、___が近いから早くみんなで分けよう。
クッキーなどの加工食品には「賞味期限」が記載されており、その期限内に食べるのが望ましいです。
パッケージの___を確認して、まだ食べられるかどうか判断してください。
食品の鮮度や品質を判断する際には、パッケージに記載されている「賞味期限」を確認します。
この食品は___を過ぎていますが、適切に保存すればまだ風味を損なわない可能性があります。
「賞味期限」は美味しく食べられる期間を示すものであり、期限を過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありません。
棚卸しの際、___が短い商品から順に並べ替える必要がある。
食品の在庫管理では、「賞味期限」が短いものから先に販売・消費されるように管理することが一般的です。
災害用の備蓄食料は、定期的に___をチェックし、古いものから入れ替えるべきだ。
備蓄食料は長期間保存されるため、定期的に「賞味期限」を確認し、期限切れを防ぐ必要があります。
この牛乳の賞味期限はいつですか？
賞味期限 refers to the best-before date, indicating when a product is at its peak quality for taste. The question asks for this specific term.
賞味期限が過ぎた食品は、どのように扱うべきですか？
賞味期限 indicates quality, not safety. Foods past this date may still be safe to eat, but their taste or texture might not be optimal.
「消費期限」と「賞味期限」の違いは何ですか？
消費期限 (shouhikigen) refers to the expiry date (safety limit), while 賞味期限 (shoumikigen) refers to the best-before date (quality limit).
賞味期限は、食品の安全性を保証する期間を示す。
賞味期限は食品の品質が保たれる期間を示し、安全性を保証するものではありません。安全性を保証するのは消費期限です。
賞味期限が切れた食品は、すぐに食べられなくなる。
賞味期限は美味しさの目安であり、この期限が過ぎてもすぐに食べられなくなるわけではありません。ただし、品質は保証されません。
未開封の状態であれば、賞味期限が過ぎても常に安全に食べられる。
未開封であっても、保管状況や食品の種類によっては、賞味期限を過ぎると品質が著しく低下したり、安全性が損なわれる場合があります。
A person is concerned about expired milk. What should they do?
Someone received sweets as a souvenir. What's their plan?
What does a person always check before buying products?
Read this aloud:
スーパーで卵を買う時、いつも賞味期限をチェックしますか？
Focus: いつも (itsu mo)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
賞味期限が切れた食べ物でも、見た目や匂いが大丈夫なら食べますか？
Focus: 見た目 (mitame)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
レストランで、料理に使われている食材の賞味期限について尋ねたことがありますか？
Focus: 食材 (shokuzai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence asks 'When is the best-before date for this product?' The particles の, は, and まで are used correctly to connect the words.
This sentence means 'The best-before date is approaching, so it's better to eat it soon.' The particle が marks '賞味期限' as the subject, and ので indicates a reason. '〜たほうがいい' is a common structure for giving advice.
This sentence translates to 'Please check the best-before date of the milk in the refrigerator.' The particle に indicates location, の shows possession, and を marks '賞味期限' as the direct object of '確認する' (to check).
/ 120 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
賞味期限 tells you when food is tastiest, not when it becomes unsafe to eat.
- B1
- Food labels
- Quality vs. Safety
Example
賞味期限を過ぎても食べられる場合があります。
Related Content
More food words
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
