un vrai chance
a vrai luck
Literalmente: a true luck
Use this phrase to show sincere gratitude for an unexpectedly positive situation or opportunity.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe a genuine, significant stroke of good fortune.
- Always use the feminine form: 'une vraie chance'.
- Perfect for expressing gratitude for unexpected opportunities or successes.
Significado
This phrase describes a moment of genuine, unexpected good fortune or a truly great opportunity. It is what you say when the universe does you a solid and everything just clicks into place.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Snagging a last-minute table
On a eu une vraie chance d'avoir cette table sans réservation.
We had a real stroke of luck getting this table without a reservation.
Discussing a new job offer
Ce nouveau poste est une vraie chance pour ma carrière.
This new position is a real opportunity for my career.
Texting a friend about a concert
J'ai trouvé des billets ! Une vraie chance !
I found tickets! A real stroke of luck!
Contexto cultural
The French often view luck as a fickle thing, so calling something 'a real luck' acknowledges a rare moment of cosmic alignment. While Americans might emphasize 'making your own luck,' the French are more comfortable admitting when the stars simply aligned in their favor. It reflects a cultural appreciation for the 'imprévu' (the unforeseen).
The Gender Trap
Many people mistakenly say 'un vrai chance' because 'chance' sounds like it could be masculine. Remember: it's always feminine. Think of 'Lady Luck' to help you remember!
Don't diminish effort
Be careful not to use this when someone has clearly succeeded through hard work. It can sound like you're dismissing their talent as mere luck.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe a genuine, significant stroke of good fortune.
- Always use the feminine form: 'une vraie chance'.
- Perfect for expressing gratitude for unexpected opportunities or successes.
What It Means
Une vraie chance is your go-to expression for those 'pinch-me' moments. It is more than just a lucky break. It implies that the situation is exceptionally favorable or rare. Think of it as the difference between finding a penny and finding a hundred-euro bill. You are acknowledging that the outcome wasn't just likely; it was a gift from the universe. It carries a sense of gratitude and slight surprise.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this phrase with the verb être. The most common way to say it is C'est une vraie chance. You can also use it to describe a person or a situation directly. For example, Avoir ce travail est une vraie chance. Note that in French, chance is feminine. Even though you might see it written incorrectly elsewhere, always use the feminine une and vraie. It functions as a noun phrase that adds weight to your appreciation.
When To Use It
Use this when you are genuinely happy about a turn of events. It is perfect for when you find a parking spot in Paris (a literal miracle). Use it when you meet someone who changes your life. It works great at a restaurant when you snag the last table without a reservation. In a professional setting, use it to show you value an opportunity. It sounds sincere and warm without being overly dramatic.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this if someone worked incredibly hard for their success. If your friend studied for six months to pass an exam, calling it une vraie chance might annoy them. It implies they just got lucky rather than earning it. Also, don't use it for minor, everyday things like catching a green light. That is just de la chance. Save the vraie for the stuff that actually matters or feels significant.
Cultural Background
In France, there is a subtle distinction between la chance (luck) and une opportunité (an opportunity). Une vraie chance sits right in the middle. The French can be quite cynical, so expressing genuine luck is a way of showing humility. It suggests you know you didn't do it all alone. Historically, the word chance comes from the falling of dice. So, you are essentially saying the dice fell perfectly for once.
Common Variations
You might hear people say une chance inouïe for something truly unbelievable. If you are with close friends, you might use the slang un sacré bol. On the more formal side, you could say une opportunité réelle. If you want to be more emphatic, try une chance de cocu, which is a funny (and slightly vulgar) way to say someone has incredible luck, usually implying they are being cheated on!
Notas de uso
Always ensure the adjective 'vraie' is in the feminine form to match 'chance'. In spoken French, the 'e' in 'une' and 'vraie' is often elided, but the feminine sound remains distinct.
The Gender Trap
Many people mistakenly say 'un vrai chance' because 'chance' sounds like it could be masculine. Remember: it's always feminine. Think of 'Lady Luck' to help you remember!
Don't diminish effort
Be careful not to use this when someone has clearly succeeded through hard work. It can sound like you're dismissing their talent as mere luck.
The 'Cocu' Secret
If someone has insane luck, the French might say they have 'une chance de cocu' (luck of a cuckold). It's a funny cultural belief that if your partner is cheating on you, the universe compensates you with good luck elsewhere!
Ejemplos
6On a eu une vraie chance d'avoir cette table sans réservation.
We had a real stroke of luck getting this table without a reservation.
Focuses on the unexpected nature of the success.
Ce nouveau poste est une vraie chance pour ma carrière.
This new position is a real opportunity for my career.
Professional yet enthusiastic tone.
J'ai trouvé des billets ! Une vraie chance !
I found tickets! A real stroke of luck!
Short and punchy for digital communication.
T'avoir rencontré est une vraie chance pour moi.
Meeting you is a real piece of luck for me.
Deeply personal and sincere.
Vingt euros dans ma poche ? C'est une vraie chance !
Twenty euros in my pocket? That's a real stroke of luck!
Relatable everyday moment of joy.
Il a commencé à pleuvoir juste après mon arrivée. Une vraie chance !
It started raining right after I arrived. A real stroke of luck!
Expressing relief at a near-miss.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct article and adjective for 'chance'.
Gagner ce concours était ___ ___ chance.
In French, 'chance' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'une' and the feminine adjective 'vraie'.
Complete the sentence to express gratitude for a job.
Travailler ici est ___ ___ ___.
The standard collocation to describe a great opportunity is 'une vraie chance'.
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Formality of Luck Expressions
Very informal, use with close friends.
Quel bol !
Casual conversation.
C'est de la chance.
The sweet spot for most situations.
Une vraie chance.
Professional or written context.
Une opportunité réelle.
When to use 'Une vraie chance'
Career Growth
Getting a dream promotion.
Travel
Free flight upgrade.
Social
Meeting a great mentor.
Daily Life
Finding a lost wallet.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is always feminine: une chance. Therefore, the adjective must also be feminine: vraie.
Yes, but opportunité sounds more like a business opening, while une vraie chance sounds more like a lucky gift from fate.
You say J'ai de la chance. You use the verb avoir (to have), not être (to be).
Adding vraie emphasizes that the luck is significant, rare, or particularly meaningful to you.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend without any issues.
No, for bad luck you would say une vraie malchance or more commonly la poisse.
Sometimes, but it almost always carries the connotation of a 'positive' possibility or a lucky break.
The most common slang is avoir du bol or avoir de la veine.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. It must be C'est une vraie chance.
Yes, it is used throughout the French-speaking world, though Quebec has its own unique slang for luck too.
Frases relacionadas
avoir de la chance
une opportunité en or
quel bol
une chance inouïe
tomber bien
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