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A similar effect: the imperative (giving orders). It is nearly as taboo in English, to just use the imperative, as it is in Japan. For example, if you have a
by retrac 3y ago
A similar effect: the imperative (giving orders). It is nearly as taboo in English, to just use the imperative, as it is in Japan. For example, if you have a dinner guest, you will ask "Would you like some more? Could you pass the salt?" It's always very indirect, put as a request that may be refused, or a suggestion. In other cultures, it may just be the bare imperative - "Eat more! Give me the salt." - and this is perfectly polite, contextually.
- dpassens 3y agoIs "Would you like some more?" really a good example here? It's not really implying that the person asked ought to eat more, is it?
- grraaaaahhh 3y agoIt certainly can. For instance, when the speaker is my mother.
- spondylosaurus 3y agoMaternal imperative mood: Any order or command phrased as a question, despite being non-optional. Example: "Do you want to turn on the fan?" (Standard imperative equivalent: "Turn on the fan.")