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"Haber sido" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have been", and "habiendo sido" is a phrase which is often translated as "having been". Learn more about the difference between "haber sido" and "habiendo sido" below.
haber sido
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to have been
Mi padre ha sido siempre muy tozudo. Es difícil convencerle de algo.My father has always been very stubborn. It's hard to convince him of anything.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Nunca había sido tan feliz como lo soy ahora.I've never been as happy as I am now.
La clase de este lunes ha sido muy interesante.This Monday's class was very interesting.
habiendo sido
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. having been
Habiendo sido piloto, Pedro debe de saber mucho sobre aviones.Having been a pilot, Pedro must know a lot about airplanes.
