Meaning
Being extremely angry or upset.
Cultural Background
In Greece, expressing anger through this phrase is often seen as a sign of 'leventia' (bravery/spirit) if the cause is an injustice. It's not always a negative trait to be 'εκτός εαυτού' if the reason is noble. Cypriot Greek uses the same phrase, but the pronunciation of 'εκτός' might have a harder 'k' sound. The emotional weight remains the same. On Greek Twitter/X, you'll see 'Είμαι εκτός εαυτού' used with caps lock to express outrage at political news or sports results. The phrase links back to the idea that the 'self' is a rational governor. To be 'outside' it is to be governed by the 'pathos' (passions).
Use with 'Βγαίνω'
If you want to sound more native, use 'βγήκα εκτός εαυτού' to describe the moment you lost it, rather than just 'ήμουν'.
Don't over-possess
While 'εκτός εαυτού μου' is correct, just 'εκτός εαυτού' is often enough and sounds more idiomatic in fast speech.
Meaning
Being extremely angry or upset.
Use with 'Βγαίνω'
If you want to sound more native, use 'βγήκα εκτός εαυτού' to describe the moment you lost it, rather than just 'ήμουν'.
Don't over-possess
While 'εκτός εαυτού μου' is correct, just 'εκτός εαυτού' is often enough and sounds more idiomatic in fast speech.
The 'Grief' nuance
Remember this can be used for extreme sadness. If you see it in a book about a tragedy, don't assume the character is angry.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Όταν είδα τη ζημιά στο αυτοκίνητο, έμεινα ______ εαυτού.
'Εκτός' is the correct preposition for this specific idiom.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Select the best option:
This uses the correct preposition 'εκτός', the correct genitive 'εαυτού', and the optional but correct possessive 'μου'.
Match the emotion to the phrase.
If someone is 'εκτός εαυτού', they are feeling:
The idiom is reserved for high-intensity negative or overwhelming emotions.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί φωνάζει ο Γιώργος; Β: ________________________.
This explains the shouting as a result of being 'beside himself'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΌταν είδα τη ζημιά στο αυτοκίνητο, έμεινα ______ εαυτού.
'Εκτός' is the correct preposition for this specific idiom.
Select the best option:
This uses the correct preposition 'εκτός', the correct genitive 'εαυτού', and the optional but correct possessive 'μου'.
If someone is 'εκτός εαυτού', they are feeling:
The idiom is reserved for high-intensity negative or overwhelming emotions.
Α: Γιατί φωνάζει ο Γιώργος; Β: ________________________.
This explains the shouting as a result of being 'beside himself'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. Unlike the English 'beside oneself' which can occasionally be used for joy, the Greek 'εκτός εαυτού' is almost exclusively for negative or overwhelming stress/anger.
It's not a swear word, but telling someone 'Είσαι εκτός εαυτού' during a fight can be seen as patronizing, as you are telling them they've lost control.
'Έξω φρενών' is strictly for anger. 'Εκτός εαυτού' can also cover shock or grief.
You can say 'Με έβγαλε εκτός εαυτού'.
Yes, 'εαυτού' is a fixed masculine reflexive pronoun form used for all genders in this idiom.
Only if you are describing a very serious situation or a third party's reaction. It's a bit too emotional for standard professional correspondence.
Yes, 'τα πήρα' or 'έγινα τούρκος' (I became a Turk - an old idiom for being furious).
Usually 'με' (with) to indicate the cause: 'εκτός εαυτού με την κατάσταση'.
Yes: 'Ήταν όλοι εκτός εαυτού'.
Extremely. It's a favorite of 19th and 20th-century novelists to describe dramatic climaxes.
Related Phrases
έξω φρενών
synonymFurious
βγαίνω από τα ρούχα μου
similarTo hit the roof
χάνω τον έλεγχο
builds onTo lose control
εντός εαυτού
contrastWithin oneself
γίνομαι θηρίο
specialized formTo become a beast
