According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a first memory string including a first memory cell transistor, a second memory cell transistor, and a first select element that connects the first memory cell transistor and the second memory cell transistor in series, a second memory string including a third memory cell transistor, a fourth memory cell transistor, and a second select element that connects the third memory cell transistor and the fourth memory cell transistor in series, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to set the second select element to an off state while setting the first select element to an on state when reading data of the first memory string.