A semiconductor optical modulator that includes a first semiconductor optical waveguide having a laminated structure including a core layer, a first clad layer, a second clad layer, and a barrier layer, the first clad layer and the second clad layer being disposed below and above the core layer, the barrier layer being inserted between the second clad layer and the core layer; a second semiconductor optical waveguide having a laminated structure in which the second clad layer has a p-type semiconductor penetrating locally through a n-type semiconductor in a laminated direction in the laminated structure of the first semiconductor optical waveguide; a first electrode connected to the first clad layer of the first semiconductor optical waveguide; and a second electrode electrically connecting the second clad layer of the first semiconductor optical waveguide and the p-type semiconductor of the second clad layer of the second semiconductor optical waveguide.