Quote (thundercock @ 8 Apr 2010 07:33)
So, I'm learning Russian and I came across some interesting verbs that involve changing locations (running, climbing, swimming, etc.)
Could some explain to me the difference between verbs such as плывут/плавают and бегут/бегают
I know it's really intuitive to you guys but it isn't to me.
it`s the most difficult question for people studying russian as foreign language.
these are different types of verbs perfect/imperfect.
бегать – бежать
летать – лететь
плавать – плыть
ездить – ехать
ходить – идти и др.
The first verb in each pair describes an action without specifying the direction or action were not committed at a time (vague verbs of motion), while the latter - action flowing in one direction or action, is continuous and at some point (some verbs of motion).
Ex. грузовик возит кирпич – грузовик везет кирпич; самолет летает над лесом – самолет летит над лесом; утки плавают в зарослях камыша – утки плывут к берегу и т.п.
In some cases, both forms are permissible, for example: [Автобус по этой линии ходит каждые пять минут. – Автобус по этой линии идет каждые пять минут.]. The difference between the two options is as follows: ходит means "return", ie indicates the movement is not in the same direction, as is means just "there", ie indicates movement in one direction.
also: go to the post office [иди на почту] (moving in one direction) - do not go to the post office [не ходи на почту] ("the movement back and forth")
The value of the forms also depends on the context: when specifying a specific action verbs of motion.
This morning he took us to the station [Сегодня утром он возил нас на станцию]. - This morning, he drove us to the station very quickly [Сегодня утром он вез нас на станцию очень быстро];