Japanese word

時効

Pronunciation

Romajijikō

Meaning

  • nounstatute of limitations

Example

その事件は時効になりました。so no ji ken wa ji kō ni na ri ma shi ta

The statute of limitations for that case has expired.

Illustration for 時効 (statute of limitations)

More examples

一定の期間が過ぎると、その請求権は時効にかかります。it tei no ki kan ga su gi ru to so no sei kyū ken wa ji kō ni ka ka ri ma su

Once a certain period has passed, that claim becomes time-barred.

Core concept

Describes a legal time limit whose completion removes the possibility of pursuing a crime or enforcing a right.

Common phrases

  • 時効を援用するji kō o en yō su ru

    invoke the statute of limitations

  • 時効が成立するji kō ga sei ritsu su ru

    the statute of limitations takes effect

  • 時効が完成するji kō ga kan sei su ru

    the statute of limitations expires

Similar words

公訴時効kōsojikō: A legal time limit after which the state can no longer prosecute a crime.
消滅時効shōmetsujikō: A legal rule under which a claim can no longer be enforced after a set period.

Definition in Japanese

法律で定められた期間を過ぎ、刑事事件の訴追や民事上の権利の行使が認められなくなること。hō ritsu de sada me ra re ta ki kan o su gi kei ji ji ken no so tsui ya min ji jō no ken ri no kō shi ga mito me ra re na ku na ru ko to

Word origin

時効 (jikō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 時 (ji, "time") and 効 (kō, "effect"), referring to a legal effect produced by time.

Usage tips

  • The Japanese term 時効 (jikō) covers a legal time-based loss of enforceability, so its English translation depends on whether the matter concerns a prosecution or a claim.

Other meanings

  • prescriptionnoun
  • lapse of rightsnoun

Word lists with this word