好在【hǎozài】

好在 opens a clause that names a favourable condition inside a bad situation. The problem comes first, and 好在 offers the consolation. It belongs to speech and informal writing.

The condition is often something that was there all along – a feature, a fact – rather than a lucky break at the last minute.

好在 or 幸好

幸好 credits luck for avoiding a bad outcome, and pairs readily with 不然. 好在 points to whatever softens a problem that has already arrived. Often either fits.

There has to be a problem

Without a difficulty to set it against, 好在 has nothing to soften.

• × 好在今天天气很好，我们去公园吧 → 今天天气很好，我们去公园吧