单元 dānyuán unit (forming an entity)
unit (forming an entity); element; (in a residential building) entrance or staircase
How to remember 单元: 单 single + 元 yuan = unit (forming an entity).
Characters
How it is used
- A unit/module of a larger whole - 第一单元 (dì-yī dānyuán) Unit One (in a textbook); 教学单元 (jiàoxué dānyuán) teaching module.
- In Chinese apartment blocks, it's the stairwell/entrance section: 3号楼2单元 (sān hào lóu èr dānyuán) Building 3, Entrance 2 - key for finding an address.
- Distinct from 单位 (dānwèi), which is a work unit/organization or a unit of measure.