плыть

verb of motion, unidirectionalaspect imperfective (partner поплы́ть)somewhat often used word (top 3,000)

to swim, float, sail
Unidirectional
Мы плывём че́рез о́зеро.
We are swimming across the lake.

Usage info

плавать - multi directional плыть - uni directional

Ло́дка плывёт против тече́ния.The boat is going against the current.

Плыви́, пока мо́жешь.Keep on swimming up to your limit.

Ты пыта́лся плыть?Have you tried swimming?

Лепестки́ плыву́т по воде.The petals are floating on the water.

Том пыта́лся плыть.Tom tried to swim.

Не́сколько яхт плыли борт к бо́рту далеко в мо́ре.Several yachts were sailing side by side far out at sea.

Я могу́ плыть на животе́, но не на спине́.I can swim on my front but not on my back.

Он всегда плывёт по тече́нию.He always swims with the current.

Imperative
ты	плыви́
вы	плыви́те

Active present	плыву́щий	floating, swimming, gliding, drifting
Active past	плы́вший	swimming, floating, sailing
Passive present	-
Passive past	-
Gerund present	плывя́	while doing (present)
Gerund past	плывши	while doing (past)