Universal
Cultural · Gift
のし紙には、お祝いの種類に合わせた水引を選んでください。 — For the noshi paper, please choose a mizuhiki (decorative cord) appropriate to the type of celebration. (Cultural · Gift, Universal, JLPT N2)
You
のし紙には、お祝いの種類に合わせた水引を選んでください。
のしがみには、おいわいのしゅるいにあわせたみずひきをえらんでください。
For the noshi paper, please choose a mizuhiki (decorative cord) appropriate to the type of celebration.
Romaji: Noshi-gami ni wa, o-iwai no shurui ni awaseta mizuhiki wo erande kudasai. / Reply Romaji: Ah, sore wa shirimasen deshita.
Reply
あ、それは知りませんでした。
あ、それはしりませんでした。
Oh, I did not know that.
Gesture & etiquette
At a department store gift-wrapping counter, the staff will typically ask the occasion and recommend the correct mizuhiki. When in doubt, ask: 'Kono baai wa dochira ga tekisetsu desu ka?' (Which is appropriate in this case?)
Mizuhiki cords come in two main styles: 'cho-musubi' (bow knot, for repeatable celebrations like birthdays) and 'musubi-kiri' (tied knot, for events you wish to happen only once, like weddings). Using the wrong style is a social faux pas — always check before purchasing noshi wrapping.