A semiconductor Mach-Zehnder optical modulator includes input side lead-out lines, phase modulation electrode lines, output side lead-out lines, electrodes that apply modulation signals propagating through the phase modulation electrode lines to respective waveguides, and ground lines. Furthermore, at least one n-type semiconductor layer or p-type semiconductor layer is formed between a substrate and a dielectric layer in a lower layer under the output side lead-out lines intermittently along the output side lead-out lines.