The present invention provides a nematic liquid crystal composition using a 4,6-difluoroindane-based compound that has a low lower limit temperature (T→N) of the liquid crystal phase, high upper limit temperature (TN-I) of the liquid crystal phase, and wide liquid crystal phase temperature range without impairing response speed, threshold voltage and other liquid crystal characteristics within a the range of the optimal Δn as a nematic liquid crystal, and a 4,6-difluoroindane-based compound that is used in said liquid crystal composition.