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tārīkh al-intihā'
Expiry date
تاريخ الانتهاء (tārīkh al-intihā') is a compound noun phrase meaning 'expiry date' or 'expiration date,' commonly used in Arabic to indicate when a product, document, or service ceases to be valid or usable. This phrase is essential in commercial, legal, and everyday contexts, appearing on food packaging, medication labels, passports, and official documents throughout the Arab world.
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تاريخ انتهاء الحليب مكتوب على العبوة
tārīkh intihā' al-halīb maktūb 'alā al-'ibwah
The expiry date of the milk is written on the package
تأكد من تاريخ الانتهاء قبل شراء الأدوية
ta'akkad min tārīkh al-intihā' qabl shirā' al-adwiyah
Make sure to check the expiry date before buying medicines
جواز سفري انتهى تاريخ انتهاؤه الشهر الماضي
jawāz safārī intahā tārīkh intihā'uh al-shahr al-māḍī
My passport expired last month
ما هو تاريخ الانتهاء لهذه التذاكر؟
mā huwa tārīkh al-intihā' lihādhih al-tadhākir?
What is the expiry date for these tickets?
يجب عدم استخدام المنتج بعد تاريخ الانتهاء
yajib 'adam istikhdām al-muntaj ba'da tārīkh al-intihā'
The product should not be used after the expiry date
In Arab countries, checking expiry dates is a standard consumer practice, and products past their expiration date are typically removed from shelves or marked down for quick sale. Government regulations require all food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products to display clear expiry dates in Arabic numerals. This phrase is universally understood across all Arabic-speaking regions, whether using Modern Standard Arabic or local dialects.
Remember that تاريخ الانتهاء is typically followed by the actual date (either in format or as a prepositional phrase). The phrase can be shortened to just تاريخ الانتهاء without the definite article in informal contexts. When discussing expiry, you can use the verb انتهى (expired) conjugated appropriately: 'انتهى التاريخ' (the date has passed) or 'سينتهي' (it will expire).
tاريخ الانتهاء is a fundamental Arabic phrase composed of three elements: تاريخ (date), ال (the definite article), and انتهاء (expiration/ending). Together, this compound noun literally translates to "the date of expiration" or simply "expiry date" in English. This phrase is essential vocabulary for anyone living in or doing business in Arabic-speaking countries.
Breaking down the phrase:
When combined, تاريخ الانتهاء specifically refers to the date on which something is no longer valid, usable, or safe for consumption.
In Arab markets, supermarkets, and pharmacies, checking تاريخ الانتهاء is a routine consumer practice. All packaged goods—from dairy products to medications, cosmetics to canned foods—must display this information prominently. The date is typically written in numerical format (day/month/year) directly on packaging or labels.
The phrase تاريخ الانتهاء functions as a noun phrase (إضافة / iḍāfah) where the first noun modifies the second. In sentences, it can:
When discussing expiry dates, you'll encounter related terms:
In Arab culture, food safety and product quality are taken seriously. Regulations across Gulf states, Levantine countries, North Africa, and Egypt require strict labeling of expiry dates. Markets actively police expired products, and reputable sellers pride themselves on maintaining fresh inventory. Using the correct terminology when shopping or discussing product safety demonstrates cultural awareness and consumer competence.
While تاريخ الانتهاء is the standard phrase, you may also hear:
English speakers should note that Arabic treats this as a compound noun phrase rather than a single word. Practice identifying it on actual product labels when visiting Arab markets or online Arabic grocery sites. The phrase is consistent across all Arabic-speaking regions, making it reliable vocabulary regardless of which Arabic dialect you're learning. Remember that انتهى can be conjugated as a verb when discussing whether something has expired: انتهى (it expired), سينتهي (it will expire), لم ينته (it hasn't expired).
Mastering تاريخ الانتهاء is a practical step toward functional Arabic fluency. Whether you're shopping in an Arab market, working in food service, managing inventory, or simply communicating with Arabic speakers about consumer products, this phrase is indispensable. It represents the intersection of language learning with real-world application, making it an excellent vocabulary focus for learners at any level.