The word "haberse" is a verb, specifically it is the infinitive form of the reflexive verb that derives from "haber," which means "to have."
/h.a.βeɾ.se/
"Haberse" is a reflexive form of the auxiliary verb "haber," primarily used to form compound tenses across different subjects. It functions as an auxiliary verb in constructions that indicate completion, possession, or states achieved—often in perfect tenses.
"Haberse" is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish, although it may be more frequent in written contexts where perfect tenses are often employed to depict actions that have been completed.
Él parece haberse olvidado de la reunión.
He seems to have forgotten about the meeting.
¿Te has dado cuenta de lo que ha sucedido?
Have you realized what has happened?
A veces es difícil haberse acostumbrado a la nueva rutina.
Sometimes it is difficult to have gotten used to the new routine.
"Haberse" is part of several idiomatic expressions and phrases in Spanish:
Haber de (to have to):
He de ir al médico mañana.
I have to go to the doctor tomorrow.
Haber sido (to have been):
Pudo haber sido un gran error.
It could have been a big mistake.
Haber hecho (to have done):
Debí haber hecho mi tarea antes.
I should have done my homework earlier.
Haber tenido (to have had):
No puedo creer que haya tenido esa oportunidad.
I can't believe I have had that opportunity.
Haber visto (to have seen):
Nunca debí haber visto esa película.
I should never have seen that movie.
Haber estado (to have been):
Me alegra que hayas estado aquí.
I’m glad that you have been here.
The verb "haber" comes from the Latin verb "habēre," which means "to have" or "to hold." The reflexive form "haberse" evolved through the integration of reflexive pronouns in Spanish grammar used to indicate actions done by the subject onto itself.
Overall, "haberse" serves as an essential component in the formation of various perfect tenses in Spanish, making it a vital part of the language.