ajapiirangu

Ajapiirangu is the Estonian term for a time limit or time constraint. It denotes the maximum amount of time allowed to complete a task, to perform an action, or for a process to run. Ajapiirang is distinct from a fixed deadline (tahteae in Estonian: tähtaeg), which refers to a specific point in time by which something must be done; ajapiirang focuses on the duration that is permissible rather than on a precise due date.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from aeg meaning time and piirang meaning restriction. The genitive form ajapiirangu is used after other nouns to express “of the time limit,” as in ajapiirangu rikkumine (violation of the time limit) or ajapiirangu tähtaeg in contexts that blend duration with due dates.

Contexts of use: In computing, ajapiirang describes timeouts on user sessions or API calls. In examinations and competitions, it marks how long a participant has to complete a task. In legal, regulatory, or administrative settings, it specifies the permissible window for filing claims, responses, or appeals. In data protection and retention policies, ajapiirang may define how long records may be kept. In user interfaces, visible countdowns or automatic submission after the ajapiirang reflects the active limit.

Relation to other terms: Ajapiirangu is related to, but not identical with, tähtaeg (deadline). While a tähtaeg is a concrete due date, an ajapiirang is a maximum duration that governs how long an action may take. See also related terms such as ajakava (schedule) and timeout concepts.