Meaning
To be emotionally disturbed or distressed.
Cultural Background
In Finland, showing extreme emotion in public is rare. Using this phrase acknowledges that a person's 'sisu' has been overwhelmed by a situation. Similar structural metaphors for the mind exist across the Nordics, reflecting a shared value of stability and 'order' in one's mental life. In a Finnish business context, if a colleague is 'poissa tolaltaan,' it is a serious signal to offer them time off or support immediately. Classic Finnish authors like Mika Waltari use this phrase to describe the internal collapse of their protagonists during moments of crisis.
The Suffix is Key
Always check who you are talking about. 'Tolaltaan' is only for he/she/they. Use 'tolaltani' for yourself!
Don't Overuse
This is a strong idiom. If you use it for small things, people might think you are being sarcastic or dramatic.
Meaning
To be emotionally disturbed or distressed.
The Suffix is Key
Always check who you are talking about. 'Tolaltaan' is only for he/she/they. Use 'tolaltani' for yourself!
Don't Overuse
This is a strong idiom. If you use it for small things, people might think you are being sarcastic or dramatic.
Add 'Aivan'
Native speakers almost always add 'aivan' or 'ihan' before 'poissa' to make it sound more natural.
Listen for it in News
This is a favorite phrase for Finnish news anchors when reporting on emotional events. Listen for it on YLE Uutiset.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'tolaltaan' with the possessive suffix.
Minä olen aivan poissa ________.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a news report about a tragedy?
Miten kuvailisit ihmisten tunteita onnettomuuden jälkeen?
This idiom is the standard way to describe deep distress in a serious context.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Miksi Liisa itkee?' B: 'Hän sai huonoja uutisia ja on nyt ________.'
'Poissa tolaltaan' describes being emotionally upset.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Situation: You just found out your house burned down.
A major tragedy causes deep emotional distress.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä olen aivan poissa ________.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Miten kuvailisit ihmisten tunteita onnettomuuden jälkeen?
This idiom is the standard way to describe deep distress in a serious context.
A: 'Miksi Liisa itkee?' B: 'Hän sai huonoja uutisia ja on nyt ________.'
'Poissa tolaltaan' describes being emotionally upset.
Situation: You just found out your house burned down.
A major tragedy causes deep emotional distress.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, unlike the English 'beside oneself', the Finnish 'poissa tolaltaan' is strictly for negative distress or shock.
Yes, if you are explaining a serious personal emergency, it is appropriate and professional.
'Järkyttynyt' is 'shocked'. 'Poissa tolaltaan' is more descriptive of the resulting emotional state of being 'off-balance'.
Not in modern Finnish. It only exists in this idiom and related archaic forms.
Use 'Se sai minut tolaltani'. Note that 'poissa' is often dropped in this causative structure.
No, it is a standard idiom used in all levels of society.
Yes, if the child is very distressed (e.g., lost in a store), it's perfect.
For 'we', use 'poissa tolaltamme'. For 'you (plural)', use 'poissa tolaltanne'.
You can say 'olla järkyttynyt', but it's less idiomatic.
Usually, 'suunniltaan' is better for anger. 'Poissa tolaltaan' is more for shock and sadness.
Related Phrases
olla suunniltaan
synonymTo be beside oneself (often with rage or grief)
mennä lukkoon
similarTo freeze up emotionally
saada joku tolaltaan
builds onTo upset someone
olla murtunut
similarTo be heartbroken/broken
