According to the TLFi dictionary, larmoyer is " Verser des larmes, être sans cesse ou souvent en train de pleurer". It's mostly about sadness, or if you have something in your eye. Geindre is "Pousser des cris plaintifs, étouffés et languissants, exprimant une douleur ou un malaise physique". I would say it's mostly about pain, or it's used for children. I think "geindre" insists more about the annoying side of the crying/noise, and "larmoyer" on the crying itself. Here is the link for the dictionary: http://atilf.atilf.fr/

Hi Rafhael, Both are pretty similar indeed, and have a negative connotation. The main difference lies here, though: - larmoyer: root of the word is "larme" (tear). "Larmoyer" means to whine bringing tears to your eyes. So the main image here is crying eyes. - geindre: has various and slightly different meanings. It can mean to whine, but also to complain. However the main image here is more vocal, it has to do with voice and how your voice will convey a certain level of discomfort, sadness, frustration or pain you are feeling. Hope this helps! Micha.