Vietnamese edit

Pronunciation edit

Etymology 1 edit

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

Adjective edit

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 edit

Perhaps a jocular allusion to tinh tướng.

Adjective edit

tinh vi

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