moan vs groan

[bochip]

Dear teacher!
Can you tell me the differences between groan and moan? To my knowledge, groan means to utter a deep, mournful sound expressive of pain or grief, and moan means to utter moans, as of pain or grief. So what's the differences? For example, in this sentence :" We had to listen to him ... [groaning/moaning] about how he didn't have any money"? Which word do I have to use? Thanks so much!!!

 

[nyota]

Have a look here:

moan - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

groan - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

 

[bochip]

Have a look here:

moan - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

groan - Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online

Thank you! So in that sentence I offered, it's moaning, okie?

 

[nyota]

According to the definitions both moan (about/at/that...) and groan (seems to stand on its own in this context) can mean to complain. What's more, they often go together:

I'm tired of him moaning and groaning all the time.
He moaned and groaned all the way there.


It's hard for me to say which option sounds most natural to a native speaker.

 

[Raymott]

"moaning and groaning" are often used together. For complaining, they mean pretty much the same.
However, we say "moaning with pleasure, or desire", not "groaning". This is the only context I can think of where it would make a difference.

 

[Tdol]

Re-opening as requested