[retrac]

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]

Is "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]

It certainly can. For instance, when the speaker is my mother.

[spondylosaurus]

Maternal 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.")