he has a problem vs he's got a problem

[thomasRavenelli]

I know someone who went sick because he doesn;t like the food in my country. I said that : he has a problem and someone corrected my English and said he's got a problem. why?
best
T

[David L.]

Your "why" refers to 'why did he correct me?' I would say, because his English is such that he doesn't realize, both of you are correct! Your friend is phrasing it in a very casual way, whereas your phrasing suggests a good education!

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by thomasRavenelli

I know someone who went sick because he doesn;t like the food in my country. I said that : he has a problem and someone corrected my English and said he's got a problem. why?
best
T

As David said, both are correct. Neither reflect that one has a good or bad education because speakers of all levels of education use both structures.

Speakers often use the 'has/have got' to point to a more serious, important, noteworthy situation. Perhaps this is what the 'someone' meant.

I've got a terrible cold.

He's got VD.

They've got a new baby!