The verb "caducar" is commonly used in both general and legal contexts to refer to something that has reached its expiration date or has become invalid after a specific period of time. In everyday language, it might refer to food products, subscriptions, or rights.
The word is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, but it appears more often in formal or legal documents, given its relevance in law and regulations.
Los alimentos pueden caducar si no se almacenan adecuadamente.
Food can expire if not stored properly.
El contrato que firmamos va a caducar el próximo mes.
The contract we signed will expire next month.
Las licencias de conducir caducan cada cinco años.
Driver's licenses expire every five years.
While "caducar" itself is not part of many idiomatic expressions, its derivatives or synonyms often feature in phrases that reflect the concept of expiration or becoming outdated. Here are some contexts in which it relates to idiomatic expressions:
No dejar que algo caduque.
Don't let something expire.
(Usually refers to opportunities or rights that should not be wasted.)
Las ideas pueden caducar.
Ideas can expire.
(Refers to the fact that certain thoughts or concepts can become outdated or less relevant over time.)
Algo que caduca, no se puede recuperar.
Something that expires cannot be recovered.
(Often a warning about seizing opportunities before they are lost.)
The word "caducar" comes from the Latin "caducare," which is derived from "caducus," meaning "falling" or "fallen." The evolution of the term reflects its association with the concept of something that has fallen out of validity or usefulness.