tinh vi

Vietnamese

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [tïŋ˧˧ vi˧˧]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [tɨn˧˧ vɪj˧˧]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [tɨn˧˧ vɪj˧˧] ~ [tɨn˧˧ jɪj˧˧]

Etymology 1

Sino-Vietnamese word from 精微 (“profound and subtle”).

Adjective

tinh vi

1. highly intricate

   máy móc tinh vi

   convoluted contraptions

2. showing incredible attention to detail

   thủ đoạn tinh vi

   a cleverly sleazy scheme

Etymology 2

Perhaps a jocular allusion to tinh tướng.

Adjective

tinh vi

1. (humorous) Synonym of tinh tướng (“vain; conceited; pompous”)