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 viintricate machinery
    2. showing incredible attention to detail
      thủ đoạn tinh via clever scheme

    Etymology 2

    Perhaps a jocular allusion to tinh tướng.

    Adjective

    tinh vi

    1. (humorous) synonym of tinh tướng (vain; conceited; pompous)