What is the common Chinese greeting meaning 'Happy New Year'?

The common Chinese greeting meaning “Happy New Year” is Xīnnián kuàilè.

In Mandarin, 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) literally means “new year happiness” or “Happy New Year.” It is a modern, widely understood greeting used during the Spring Festival, including in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.

It is not the same as Gōngxǐ fācái (恭喜发财), which means “wishing you prosperity” and focuses specifically on wealth. Wànshì rúyì (万事如意) means “may everything go as you wish,” while Shēngrì kuàilè (生日快乐) means “Happy Birthday.” Regional varieties also exist: Cantonese speakers commonly say San nin faai lok (新年快樂). In northern China, Gōngzuò kuònián hǎo (过年好) is another familiar seasonal greeting, especially in informal settings.

The phrase is associated with the lunisolar Spring Festival rather than January 1 alone, although it can also be used for the traditional Chinese New Year celebration in overseas communities.