A composite substance for forming a conductive paste, comprises a solvent and metal or metal compound particles. The solvent is compatible with an organic component included in the conductive paste, and the metal or metal compound particles are dried metal or metal compound particles having the second solvent adhering to the surface thereof. The conductive paste comprises an organic vehicle, a solvent, and the composite substance which is mixed with the organic vehicle and the solvent. The method for manufacturing the composite substance comprises the steps of washing metal or metal compound particles with water, adding a solvent that is compatible with an organic component included in the conductive paste, thereby replacing water components, and drying the metal or metal compound particles having the solvent adhering to the surface thereof.