An optical modulator is provided with a ridge-shaped optical waveguide formed of a dielectric thin film having electro-optic effect, a buffer layer covering the optical waveguide, a signal electrode formed on the buffer layer so as to be opposed to the optical waveguide through the buffer layer; a ground electrode formed on the buffer layer together with the signal electrode, and a dielectric film having a higher dielectric constant than air and covering at least a part of exposed surfaces of the signal electrode and ground electrode and exposed surfaces of the buffer layer.