Meaning of Meraki

The Greek word “meraki” (μεράκι) carries a rich and nuanced meaning. It refers to the act of doing something with great love, creativity, and passion. When someone puts their meraki into their work or an activity, they invest their soul and personal touch into it, demonstrating care and dedication that goes beyond mere effort.

In essence, meraki embodies the idea of putting a part of oneself into whatever one is doing, whether it’s cooking, crafting, working, or any other endeavor. It reflects a sense of pride and joy in the process, where the end result is enhanced by the personal care and attention given to it.

For example, a chef who carefully selects ingredients and crafts each dish with skill and love is said to cook with meraki. Similarly, an artist who pours their heart into a painting is also displaying meraki.