The concept of the `单位` is one of the most important for understanding modern Chinese history and social structure. Before the economic reforms of the 1980s, the `单位` was the fundamental building block of urban society. It was far more than just an employer. For most urban Chinese citizens, your `单位` was a “cradle-to-grave” institution that managed nearly every aspect of your existence:
This system created an intense bond between the individual and the collective, blurring the lines between work and personal life. It's a powerful example of collectivism in practice. Comparison to a Western “Job”: In the West, a “job” or “employer” is typically a contractual relationship. You provide a service, and the company pays you a salary. Your personal life—where you live, who you marry, your social activities—is largely separate from your employer. The traditional `单位` system, by contrast, integrated these two spheres completely. While the all-encompassing power of the `单位` has significantly faded with the rise of the market economy, the term itself and the mindset of the workplace as a central, defining part of one's identity still lingers, especially in state-owned enterprises and government institutions.
Today, `单位` is used in two primary ways. The context almost always prevents confusion.
This is the default meaning in everyday conversation when asking about work. It's a general, slightly formal term that can refer to any type of employer. You can use it for a government agency, a public school, a hospital, a research institute, or a private company. While `公司 (gōngsī)` is more specific for a “company,” `单位` is a safe, all-purpose word.
This meaning is used in educational, technical, or descriptive contexts. It is the general word for “unit.” For example, you would use it to ask what the unit of currency is or to state that the meter is a unit of length.