A semiconductor light emitting device has semiconductor layers including a first conductivity type semiconductor layer and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on a substrate. A first electrode is formed in electrical connection with the first conductivity type semiconductor layer on a surface side of the semiconductor layers. The second conductivity type semiconductor layer is exposed by partly etch-removing an end portion of the semiconductor layers. A second electrode is provided in electrical connection with the exposed second conductivity type layer. The first and second electrodes are formed such that the electrodes are in parallel, in plan form, with each other at opposite portions thereof. As a result, the current path is constant in electric resistance, providing a semiconductor light emitting device that is constant in brightness, long in service life and high in brightness.