Japanese · Work & Business
締め切り
shimekiri
Deadline
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The latest time or date by which something must be completed. Punctuality and meeting deadlines are highly valued in Japanese professional culture.
Example
明日が締め切りなので急いでいます。
The deadline is tomorrow so I am in a hurry.
Etymology
The word '締め切り' (shimekiri) combines '締め' (shime), meaning 'to tighten,' and '切り' (kiri), meaning 'cut' or 'end.' This term arose with the structuring of timelines and projects in modern business practices.
How & Where It’s Used
'締め切り' is mainly used in formal contexts within business and academic settings, recognized in written and spoken forms. It is universally understood across Japan.