Translation guide
The English adverb 'thankfully' is used to express relief or gratitude about a situation. In Japanese, this is usually conveyed through set phrases meaning 'fortunately' or 'thankfully', or by expressions of gratitude. There is no single direct adverb equivalent.
The speaker is relieved that something good happened or that something bad was avoided.
Literally 'it is a thankful thing that...'. This is the most direct and common way to say 'thankfully' when expressing relief.
ありがたいことに、事故は大したことなかった。
Thankfully, the accident wasn't serious.
ありがたいことに、試験に合格した。
Thankfully, I passed the exam.
The speaker wants to thank someone explicitly, rather than just express relief.
The te-form of 感謝する (to thank/appreciate). Used as an adverb meaning 'thankfully' or 'with gratitude'.
彼は感謝してその贈り物を受け取った。
He thankfully accepted the gift.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'thankfully'. Using ありがたいことに is the safest for expressing relief, but it cannot be used to describe a manner of doing something (e.g., 'she smiled thankfully'). For that, use 感謝して or ありがたく.
Literally 'it is a fortunate thing that...'. Slightly more formal than ありがたいことに, and emphasizes luck or fortune.
幸いなことに、天気は良かった。
Thankfully, the weather was good.
Means 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. Used when the positive outcome is due to chance.
運良く、バスに間に合った。
Thankfully, I caught the bus.
Literally 'thanks to you/others'. Used to express gratitude for a positive outcome, often implying help from others or divine grace. Can sound humble.
おかげさまで、無事に帰ってきました。
Thankfully, I returned safely.
The adverbial form of ありがたい (thankful). Can be used similarly to 'thankfully' when describing an action done with gratitude.
ありがたく頂戴します。
I thankfully accept (this).