The present invention provides an industrially advantageous process for preparing nucleus-halogenated methylbenzyl alcohol which is a useful substance as a raw material, an intermediate for manufacturing medicines, agricultural chemicals, etc. The process of the present invention for preparing nucleus-halogenated methylbenzyl alcohol represented by the following formula (II) includes hydrogenating nucleus-halogenated benzene dicarbaldehyde represented by the following formula (I); wherein m is an integer of 0 to 3, and n is an integer of 1 to 4, with the proviso that m+n is an integer of 1 to 4, wherein m and n are the same as those in the formula (I).