habiendo
/ah-BYEN-doh/
having
Having taken a cookie, the child enjoys a snack.
habiendo(verb)
having
?used before another action word to show something happened first
since ... had
?explaining a reason for a current situation
📝 In Action
Habiendo terminado la tarea, Juan salió a jugar.
B1Having finished the homework, Juan went out to play.
Habiendo dicho eso, todavía creo que debemos ir.
B2Having said that, I still think we should go.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'One-Size-Fits-All' Form
Unlike many Spanish verbs, 'habiendo' is a fixed form. It never changes to match the person you are talking about; it stays 'habiendo' whether you mean 'I had', 'they had', or 'we had'.
The Action Order
Use 'habiendo' followed by a 'done' word (like comido, visto, or terminado) to show that one action was completed before the next one started.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Teniendo'
Mistake: "Using 'teniendo' when you mean 'having done something'."
Correction: Use 'habiendo' for actions (habiendo comido) and 'teniendo' for physical possession (teniendo un perro).
⭐ Usage Tips
Writing vs. Speaking
While you'll see this often in books or news, in casual speech, Spanish speakers often just say 'Después de...' (After...) to sound more natural.
There being many flowers in the park, the garden looks beautiful.
habiendo(verb)
there being
?describing a situation that exists
since there is/are
?explaining a reason based on existence
📝 In Action
Habiendo tanta gente, era difícil caminar.
B2There being so many people, it was difficult to walk.
No podemos salir, habiendo tanta nieve.
B2We can't go out, since there is so much snow.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Existence' Use
This is the '-ing' version of 'hay' (there is/are). It helps you explain 'why' something is happening based on what is currently present.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: habiendo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'habiendo' to mean 'Having finished'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'habiendo' and 'teniendo'?
Use 'habiendo' as a helper for other verbs (having eaten, having seen) or to mean 'there being'. Use 'teniendo' only when you mean physically possessing or holding something (having a car, having a cold).
Is 'habiendo' formal?
Yes, it sounds a bit more formal or literary. In everyday conversation, people often use 'como' (since) or 'después de' (after) instead.