An edge-emitting multi-beam semiconductor laser includes juxtaposed stripe-shaped light-emitting portions the number of which is N (wherein N≧2), wherein a separation groove that electrically separates the light-emitting portions from each other is provided between the light-emitting portions, a first recess that is partly discontinuous is provided outside a first light-emitting portion, a second recess that is partly discontinuous is provided outside an Nth light-emitting portion.