Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): Mi intención es practicar español con mis amigos. - My intention is to practice Spanish with my friends.

The noun intención conveys a plan or purpose—a predetermined goal that the speaker has. It emphasizes that the idea is a settled aim rather than merely an attempt. In contrast, intentar (to try or to attempt) would stress the act of trying, which might imply uncertainty about achieving the goal.

Why is practicar in its infinitive form following es?

In Spanish, when linking a noun that denotes a purpose (like intención) to an action, it’s standard to use the verb ser followed by the infinitive. This construction, "mi intención es practicar...", is equivalent to saying "My intention is to practice..." in English, where the infinitive clearly expresses the intended activity.

Why is no article used before español in practicar español?

When referring to languages in contexts like this, Spanish often omits the definite article. Saying practicar español is idiomatic in Latin American Spanish and directly implies practicing the language. Although you might occasionally hear practicar el español, leaving out the article is common and natural when discussing the activity itself.

What is the function of the preposition con in con mis amigos?

The preposition con translates to "with" and indicates accompaniment. It shows that the speaker will be practicing Spanish together with mis amigos (my friends), specifying who is involved in the activity.

Why do we use es (from ser) instead of está (from estar) in this sentence?

The verb ser is used because it links the subject mi intención to a defining aspect—a fixed purpose or identity. Intención represents a deliberate, inherent plan, so ser is the right choice. Estar, on the other hand, is used for temporary states or conditions and would not appropriately convey the idea of a set intention.

Is the sentence structure "Mi intención es + [infinitive]" common in Spanish for expressing plans?

Yes, this construction is very common in Spanish. It directly corresponds to the English structure "My intention is to…" and is widely used to articulate clear plans or goals in both formal and informal contexts.

Could you use a verb like intentar instead of the noun intención, and what would be the difference in meaning?

You could rephrase the idea using intentar, for example: "Voy a intentar practicar español con mis amigos" (I am going to try to practice Spanish with my friends). However, this shifts the nuance: intención stresses a firm, planned purpose, while intentar emphasizes the effort or attempt to do something, possibly suggesting uncertainty about achieving it.