An optical modulator is provided with a substrate, first and second optical waveguides each formed of a ridge-shaped electro-optic material film and disposed so as to be mutually adjacent on the substrate, a buffer layer covering upper surfaces of the first and second optical waveguides, first and second signal electrodes provided above the buffer layer so as to be opposed respectively to the first and second optical waveguides, and a dielectric layer covering at least one of a part of an exposed surface of the first signal electrode and a part of an exposed surface of the second signal electrode, and a part of an upper surface of the buffer layer. Differential signals are applied to the first and second signal electrodes.