How to Moan

This article was co-authored by Danielle Bezalel. Danielle Bezalel is a sex educator and podcaster. Danielle’s podcast, Sex Ed With DB, provides smart, science-backed sex education, delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure since 2017. Sex Ed With DB is in the top 1.5% of podcasts, with over 350K downloads. Listen to it here: https://pod.link/1286811573 Danielle has been featured on Netflix, Bustle, Mashable, Pop Sugar, Self Magazine, and more. She has a Master of Public Health from Columbia University with expertise in both sexuality and sexual and reproductive health. She also has a Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and a background in digital media and content creation.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 2,030,505 times.

Moaning tells your partner that you're turned on or feeling pleasure. In theory, a moan is a sexy, involuntary noise – you moan in the heat of the moment because you are overcome by sensation. [1] X Expert Source

Danielle Bezalel Sex Educator Expert Interview Not everyone moans naturally, but training yourself to moan can be a great way to show someone that you're enjoying yourself. Read on for tips on how and when to moan.

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Moan

Know that moaning is involuntary, in theory. A moan is a noise of passion that escapes you when you're overcome by pleasure or sensation – usually in a sensual context. [2] X Expert Source

Research also suggests that at least some aspect of moaning is consciously controlled, particularly for women. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source So if it doesn't feel natural to you, don't worry! It's still possible for you to develop a moan.

Listen to other people moan. Watch videos or listen to audio clips of people pleasuring each other and making noise. Watch YouTube videos about how to moan. The best way to master your moan is to imitate others who do it well. If you hear someone make a noise that sounds sexy, wait until you're alone – then try to replicate that noise.

You may even find that your partner (however long-term or temporary) doesn't care for moans. Don't assume that everyone finds moans attractive just because there is a cultural fetish for the noises.

Advertisement Part 2 of 3: Knowing When to Moan

In some cases, you may feel that it's necessary to fake a moan. Maybe you want to make your partner feel appreciated even though you aren't really in the mood; maybe you just think that a person will find it hot if you turn up the volume. Don't put on a show if what you're feeling isn't real.

Moan softly during foreplay. Soft moans can be a great way to signal to your partner that you're into what's happening and you want it to continue. Let out a gasp or a low "mmmm" when your partner touches you in a way that feels good. Don't overdo it, or it might come off as fake.

Moan loudly when things get intense. Moaning more heavily can take an intense moment to the next level. [5] X Research source Let your moans last longer. Release your inhibitions, and don't be afraid to lose a bit of control. The more you get into it, the more authentic— and, likely, arousing to your partner— your sounds will be. [6] X Expert Source

Be aware of the setting. If you need to be quiet for any reason, try not to let yourself get too into the act of moaning. Maybe the walls are thin, or you have a roommate, or your parents are sitting in the next room over. Save the loud moans for a time when you can let loose.

Advertisement Part 3 of 3: Practicing Your Moan

Start by sighing softly. The simplest "moan" is just a gentle sigh of pleasure. You can let this noise out at any point that it seems appropriate. Sigh at the first touch, or during foreplay, or anytime that things slow down. [7] X Expert Source

Danielle Bezalel Sex Educator Expert Interview In general, however, it's very much a "getting things started" noise.

Breathe in and out, audibly. As the situation intensifies, let your breath quicken, and try to make it audible – as though you're exerting yourself. As things get hotter and heavier, you may find that your breathing swells to match the heat of the moment. Don't be afraid to let your breath get ragged and loose as you lose yourself in the feeling.

Alternately, engage your vocal cords when you breathe out. It may be easier to make the pitch of your moan sound deeper on the outward breath than on the intake. Either way, the muscles involved are essentially the same.

Add a few "Mmmmm"s. Use an inflection that makes it clear that you're enjoying it. Don't "mmmm" monotonously; use a sexy, seductive tone. Think of yourself like a cat purring from pleasure: you can tell that a cat is happy when it purrs, even though it's just rumbling in a certain tone.

If you've been with someone for a while, you may want to start small. Use sighs, "Mmmmm"s, and low moans at first; don't jump straight into a fit of loud moaning that might take your partner aback.
If you find yourself with a new partner, you have no expectations to contend with. Consider trying to lose yourself in the moment and explore a new, uninhibited side of yourself.

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to moan. The important thing is that you're enjoying yourself with someone who is also enjoying him/herself. Let it be a natural thing; a thing of joy; a thing of beauty.

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↑ Danielle Bezalel. Sex Educator. Expert Interview
↑ Danielle Bezalel. Sex Educator. Expert Interview
↑https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20480220/
↑https://www.scarleteen.com/read/sex-sexuality/rules-ooohs-and-ahhhs-hint-there-arent-any
↑https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-at-dawn/201001/women-in-bed-whats-all-the-noise-about-part-ii
↑ Danielle Bezalel. Sex Educator. Expert Interview
↑ Danielle Bezalel. Sex Educator. Expert Interview
↑https://www.lovepanky.com/sensual-tease/seduction/how-to-moan

About This Article

Co-authored by: Sex Educator

2,630 votes - 64% Co-authors: 28 Updated: October 4, 2025 Views: 2,030,505 Categories: Love and Romance

If you want to moan during an intimate moment, allow yourself to let out a gasp or a low “mmmm” when your partner touches you in a way that feels good. As things get more intense, moan longer and don’t be afraid to lose control if it feels natural. After all, fake moaning will probably seem obvious to your partner and might make them feel bad. There’s no wrong or right way to moan, but if you want to practice, start by sighing softly and breathing loudly. As your breathing intensifies, make an “uhh” sound every time you breathe in. To sound extra seductive, add in a few “mmmmm”s in a sexy, seductive tone to make it clear that you’re enjoying it. For more tips, like how to practice your moaning by watching YouTube videos, scroll down.

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Reader Success Stories

Luna Nov 4, 2022

"I never seem to moan like most people and I was scared that if I didn't know how to moan by the time I have sex with my partner, that he would make fun of me. I brought this up to him after reading this article." . " more

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"I was not a very confident person when it came to sex, but wikiHow has really helped me a lot with moaning and sighs of pleasure. Don't be afraid to face your fears and be more confident!" . " more

"I practice this. and have gotten better at it. I think it is a great thing! your tips have helped me out so much, thank you! " . " more

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