A semiconductor memory device has first and second sense nodes which are provided corresponding to first and second bit lines, and a sense amplifier which is connected to the first and second sense nodes and senses data read out from a memory cell, wherein the sense amplifier includes an initial sense circuit which increases a potential difference between the first and second sense nodes in a first period after beginning sense operation, and a latch circuit which increases and holds the potential difference between the first and second sense nodes in a second period after the first period, wherein the initial sense circuit includes first and second transistors of first conductive type, third and fourth transistors of first conductive type, and fifth and sixth transistors of first conductive type, wherein the latch circuit includes seventh and eighth transistors of first conductive type, and ninth and tenth transistors of second conductive type.