> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hermesvoice.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Dictionary

> Teach Hermes how you pronounce words for better transcription accuracy.

## What the dictionary does

The dictionary improves transcription accuracy by learning how you pronounce specific words. When Hermes mishears a word, you can teach it the correct spelling by recording how you say it.

**Example problem**: You say "Kubernetes" but Hermes transcribes it as "Kuber net ease"

**Solution**: Add "Kubernetes" to your dictionary and record yourself saying it. Hermes learns your pronunciation and transcribes it correctly from then on.

***

## Adding words to your dictionary

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Dictionary">
    Go to **Dictionary** in Hermes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add">
    Click the **+** button to add a new entry.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the word">
    Type the correct spelling of the word you want Hermes to learn.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a category">
    Select a category: General, Names, Technical, Medical, Business, or Custom.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record your pronunciation">
    Click **Record** and say the word clearly. Hermes records multiple passes to learn your pronunciation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    The word is now in your dictionary.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Categories

| Category      | Use for                          |
| ------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **General**   | Common words                     |
| **Names**     | People's names, place names      |
| **Technical** | Technical terms, jargon          |
| **Medical**   | Medical and pharmaceutical terms |
| **Business**  | Company names, business terms    |
| **Custom**    | Anything else                    |

***

## Examples

| Word     | Why add it                    |
| -------- | ----------------------------- |
| Nguyen   | Uncommon name pronunciation   |
| Xilinx   | Niche company name            |
| Airtable | Often heard as "air table"    |
| Supabase | Unusual spelling              |
| Vercel   | Often misheard as "versatile" |

***

## How it works

When you record a pronunciation:

1. You say the word multiple times
2. Hermes analyzes each attempt using speech-to-text
3. It generates phonetic codes for your pronunciation
4. During future dictations, Hermes matches similar-sounding words to your dictionary entries

This phonetic matching means Hermes can correct words even when you pronounce them slightly differently each time.

***

## Managing your dictionary

### Editing an entry

1. Find the entry in your dictionary
2. Click to edit
3. Update the spelling or re-record the pronunciation
4. Save

### Deleting an entry

1. Find the entry
2. Click **Delete**
3. The entry is removed

***

## Tips

* **Add words as you encounter problems** — When Hermes mishears something repeatedly, add it to your dictionary
* **Speak naturally when recording** — Don't over-enunciate; say the word how you normally would
* **Use categories** — Helps organize entries as your dictionary grows

***

## Dictionary vs Snippets

The dictionary and [Snippets](/triggers/types/snippets) serve different purposes:

| Dictionary                        | Snippets                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Fixes pronunciation/transcription | Replaces phrases with text                               |
| "Vercel" sounds like → "Vercel"   | "my email" → [john@example.com](mailto:john@example.com) |
| Improves accuracy                 | Saves typing                                             |

Use the dictionary for words Hermes mishears. Use Snippets for shortcuts and text replacement.

***

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Dictation" icon="microphone" href="/features/dictation">
    How voice dictation works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Snippets" icon="text" href="/triggers/types/snippets">
    Create text shortcuts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>