[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem that a negative Δε value having a large absolute value, a small rotational viscosity (γ1), a large elastic modulus (K33), a low (solid phase)-(nematic phase) transition temperature (Tcn), a high (nematic phase)-(isotropic liquid phase) transition temperature (Tni) and a large voltage holding ratio (VHR) are demanded. The present invention also addresses the problem of providing a rapid-response liquid crystal display element of a VA type, a PSVA type, a PSA type, a FFS type or the like, which is produced using the same, rarely undergoes or never undergoes display failures such as burning-in and display unevenness and has excellent display quality. [Solution] Provided are: a liquid crystal composition which contains a compound represented by formula (I-1) as a first component and a compound represented by formula (I-2) as a second component and has a negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε) value; and a liquid crystal display element produced using the liquid crystal composition.