下さい - "kuda sai" or "please". DID YOU KNOW that the root kanji of this expression 下 (kuda) literally means "below" and さい (sai) literally means "lower"?

To say "please" in Japan is to acknowledge that you are below the person you are asking, and cannot provide the requested service or object for yourself. Most Japanese people feel that Americans say "please" far too often, demeaning and abasing themselves while simultaneously acting as if we are superior to everyone else.

For example, if you say "please pass the salt" at the table you would be considered to be groveling or demeaning yourself. IF you say "pass the salt" and the person you ask says "Say Please..." then this becomes a demand for groveling before you can have salt. In a formal dining environment in Japan (with superiors from work or with strangers, etc.) you may say "塩下さい" (salt, please) but in an informal or family dining environment you would simply say "塩" (salt) as the salt is there for everybody to use and it is expected that you would simply share with your family and friends.
Get the picture?

Or should I post a link to Jar Jar Binks ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDwQJ64UpFQ )?