What are the differences, if any, between "par bonheur", "par chance" et "heureusement" ? According to my dictionary, they all convey " fortunately; luckily; thankfully;".
1 Answer
The meaning is the almost the same.
Par bonheur and Par chance are totally interchangeable, though Par bonheur is less frequent.
Heureusement can be used a way the two other don't :
- Expressing relief (soulagement) rather than just luck or an unexpected positive event :
Tu as fini par arriver, heureusement sinon j'aurais été obligé de partir!
- Contruction with "que"
Heureusement que tu es venu, je ne connaissais personne avant que tu arrives!