noun
unit of measurement; denomination
Standard term for units of measurement (meters, grams, etc.) and for denominations of currency or other countable standards.
長さの単位はメートルです。
The unit of length is the meter.
この硬貨は一番小さい単位です。
This coin is the smallest denomination.
noun
Refers to a single entity made up of multiple parts, such as a team, a module, or a cohesive whole. Often used in organizational or structural contexts.
家族は社会の最小単位だ。
The family is the smallest unit of society.
この教科書は五つの単位に分かれている。
This textbook is divided into five units.
noun
Used in educational contexts for course credits or points earned toward a degree or qualification.
この授業は4単位です。
This class is worth 4 credits.
卒業に必要な単位を取らなければならない。
I have to earn the credits required for graduation.
suffix
by the ...; in units of ...; each ...
Suffix-like usage, typically in the form ～単位で, meaning 'in groups of', 'by the', or 'each'. Indicates the unit by which something is counted, sold, or organized.
卵は10個単位で売られている。
Eggs are sold in units of ten.
この薬は時間単位で服用してください。
Please take this medicine by the hour.