work unit (place of employment, esp. in the PRC prior to economic reform)
HSK 4, unknown, rank #4282, Medium
dānwèi(dan1wei4) T1
1a unit
2unit (of measure)
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March 24, 2026
单位(單位)dānwèi(dan1wei4)
The term '单位' (dānwèi) refers to a unit of measurement or a work unit, commonly used to describe one's workplace or organization. In modern contexts, it often signifies a specific entity or organization, especially in discussions related to employment and economics in China.
Frequency#4282DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of '单位' is historically significant, especially during the planned economy era, where individuals were often defined by their work unit. This reflects the close ties between employment and social identity in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of '单' (dān) as a single unit and '位' (wèi) as a place. Imagine a single worker at their designated workplace, which helps you remember that '单位' refers to a unit of measure or a workplace.
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AI Study Notes for 单位
Quick Contrast
组织 (zǔzhī) - use 单位 when referring specifically to a workplace or organization, while 组织 refers more broadly to any organized group.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '单' (dān) as a single unit and '位' (wèi) as a place. Imagine a single worker at their designated workplace, which helps you remember that '单位' refers to a unit of measure or a workplace.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about using '单位' in overly formal contexts; it is best suited for discussions related to work or measurements. Common collocations include '工作单位' (gōngzuò dānwèi, workplace) and '计量单位' (jìliàng dānwèi, unit of measurement). Ensure the correct tone is used, as '单位' requires a high-level tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '单位' connects with other terms related to workplaces and measurements. Focus on understanding its applications in both professional and quantitative contexts to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of '单位' is historically significant, especially during the planned economy era, where individuals were often defined by their work unit. This reflects the close ties between employment and social identity in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '单位' with '公司' (gōngsī, company). For example, saying '我在这个单位' (I am in this company) may not convey the intended meaning if '单位' isn't understood as a workplace. Instead, clarify by specifying the context, such as '我在这个单位工作' (I work at this unit).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 单位
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Grammar Patterns of 单位
单位 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
每天的饮酒量不应超过两个计量____。
Your intake of alcohol should not exceed two units per day.
Influenced by old ideas, some units assign posts according to seniority.
10
这个营在营地广场上排成以连为单位的队列.
zhè gè yíng zài yíng dì guǎng cháng shàng pái chéng yǐ lián wéi dān wèi de duì liè.
The battalion formed up by companies on the barrack square.
Cultural Notes for 单位
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of '单位' is historically significant, especially during the planned economy era, where individuals were often defined by their work unit. This reflects the close ties between employment and social identity in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 单位
'单位' can refer to any unit of measure, but it is most commonly used to describe a workplace or organization.
You can say '我在这个单位工作' (I work at this unit/organization) to express your workplace.
'单位' can also refer to units of measurement in fields such as mathematics or science.
