楚 is most commonly seen in 清楚 (qīngchǔ, clear/clearly) and 痛楚 (tòngchǔ, pain/anguish). Historically, 楚 was the name of an ancient Chinese kingdom (楚国 Chǔguó).
culture
楚 was a powerful state during the Warring States period. The expression 四面楚歌 (sìmiàn chǔgē, 'Chu songs on all sides') means to be surrounded by enemies.
