The semiconductor light emitting element is a semiconductor light emitting element comprising a semiconductor layer including a light emitting layer, wherein a surface of the semiconductor light emitting element includes a light extraction surface. At least one of the light extraction surface and an interface between two layers having different refractive indexes in the semiconductor light emitting element is provided with a periodic recessed and projecting structure having a period that exceeds 0.5 times as great as a wavelength of light emitted from the light emitting layer, and a minute recessed and projecting structure located on a surface of the periodic recessed and projecting structure and having an average diameter that is not more than 0.5 times as great as the wavelength of the light.