Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film, which contains an organic zinc compound as a starting material, is not ignitable, and can be easily handled. The composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film is capable of forming a transparent zinc oxide thin film which is not doped or doped with a group 3B element by being heated at 300° C. or less. Also disclosed is a method for obtaining a transparent zinc oxide thin film, which is not doped or doped with a group 3B element, using the composition. Specifically, the composition for forming a zinc oxide thin film contains a product which is obtained by partially hydrolyzing an organic zinc compound by adding water to the organic zinc compound or a solution of the organic zinc compound and a group 3B element compound. In cases when a group 3B element compound is contained, the molar ratio of the group 3B element compound to the organic zinc compound is within the range of 0.005-0.3.