According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting element includes a light emitting layer, a current spreading layer of a first conductivity type, and a pad electrode. The light emitting layer is capable of emitting light. The current spreading layer has a first surface and a second surface. The light emitting layer is disposed on a side of the first surface. A light extraction surface having convex structures of triangle cross-sectional shape and a flat surface which is a crystal growth plane are included in the second surface. The pad electrode is provided on the flat surface. One base angle of the convex structure is 90 degrees or more.