How to Say "expire" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “expire” is “vencer” — use this word when referring to a deadline, contract, or the expiration date of food or medicine..
vencer
ven-SER/benˈθeɾ/
Examples
El plazo para solicitar la beca vence el viernes.
The deadline to apply for the scholarship expires on Friday.
La fecha límite para entregar el informe vence mañana.
The deadline for submitting the report expires tomorrow (is due tomorrow).
Mi pasaporte venció el mes pasado, necesito renovarlo.
My passport expired last month; I need to renew it.
El contrato vence en diciembre.
The contract runs out in December.
Using 'Vencer' for Dates
In this sense, 'vencer' is often used impersonally, meaning the date or document itself is the subject doing the expiring: 'El plazo vence' (The deadline expires).
Confusing 'Vencer' and 'Terminar'
Mistake: “Using 'terminar' for an expiration date, like 'El pasaporte terminó'.”
Correction: 'Terminar' means something simply finished. 'Vencer' specifically means a validity period or deadline has run out due to a predetermined date: 'El pasaporte venció'.
cumplir
koom-PLEER/kumˈpliɾ/
Examples
Su contrato de trabajo cumplió el mes pasado.
His work contract expired last month.
Su sueño de viajar por el mundo finalmente se cumplió.
His dream of traveling the world finally came true.
La profecía se cumplirá al pie de la letra.
The prophecy will be realized exactly as written.
Reflexive Use
When the verb is used to mean 'come true' or 'be realized,' it must include the reflexive pronoun 'se' (cumplirse). The object (the dream, the prophecy) performs the action on itself.
Vencer vs. Cumplir
Related Translations
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