保质期 bǎozhìqī shelf life
shelf life; expiration date
How to remember 保质期: 保 to protect + 质 essence + 期 a period of time = shelf life.
Characters
How it is used
- Shelf life / best-before date - 这盒牛奶过了保质期 (zhè hé niúnǎi guòle bǎozhìqī) this milk is past its expiry date.
- Standard label term on food and products (保 keep + 质 quality + 期 period).
- Distinguish 保修期 (bǎoxiūqī, warranty period for goods) - 保质期 is about quality/freshness expiry.