The phrase "How have you been?" means asking someone how their life or well- being has been since the last time you spoke or saw each other. It is used to catch up with someone after a period of time has passed, showing interest in their overall condition or what has been going on in their life during that time. This question is usually asked to people you know and haven't seen for a while, unlike "How are you?" which asks about someone's current state right now. Responses typically begin with "I've been..." and then describe the person's general state or activities since you last met.
This question is in the present perfect tense, emphasizing the time from the last meeting up to the present. It’s not used when you see someone frequently or just recently. It’s also a polite and conversational way to show genuine interest in the other person's recent experiences or feelings.
In summary, "How have you been?" is a way to inquire about someone's recent past well-being or life situation, usually after a gap in contact or meeting.
