Chinese word

时效

Pronunciation

Pinyinshí xiào

Meaning

  • nounstatute of limitations

Example

这件事已经过了时效，不能再起诉了。zhè jiàn shì yǐ jīng guò le shí xiào bù néng zài qǐ sù le

The statute of limitations for this matter has already expired, so no lawsuit can be filed.

Illustration for 时效 (statute of limitations)

More examples

退货申请如果超出时效，可能无法受理。tuì huò shēn qǐng rú guǒ chāo chū shí xiào kě néng wú fǎ shòu lǐ

A return request may not be accepted if it exceeds the statute of limitations.

Core concept

A legal clock that keeps a claim enforceable until the allowed period runs out.

Common phrases

  • 超出时效chāo chū shí xiào

    exceed the statute of limitations

  • 已过时效yǐ guò shí xiào

    the statute of limitations has expired

Similar words

诉讼时效sù sòng shí xiào: A legally fixed period for filing a lawsuit over a civil claim.
追诉期限zhuī sù qī xiàn: A legally fixed period for pursuing a criminal case through investigation or prosecution.
期限qī xiàn: A fixed deadline or period for completing something.

Definition in Chinese

法律上规定的请求权或救济在法定期间内有效；超过该期间后，当事人通常不能再通过诉讼或其他法律程序主张该权利。fǎ lǜ shàng guī dìng de qǐng qiú quán huò jiù jì zài fǎ dìng qī jiān nèi yǒu xiào chāo guò gāi qī jiān hòu dāng shì rén tōng cháng bù néng zài tōng guò sù sòng huò qí tā fǎ lǜ chéng xù zhǔ zhāng gāi quán lì

Word origin

时 (shí, "time") + 效 (xiào, "effect") forms a legal term for the period during which a claim remains legally effective.

Usage tips

  • Everyday Chinese uses this noun mainly for legal time limits, while ordinary product expiry dates are described with a different expression.

Word lists with this word