This user terminal is provided with: a reception unit that receives a downlink signal including a demodulation reference signal; a signal separation unit that separates the demodulation reference signal from the downlink signal; and a channel estimation unit that calculates a channel estimation value by using the demodulation reference signal. The demodulation reference signal is mapped on a resource element set in a transmission pattern selected from a plurality of candidate patterns. The reception unit receives an index indicating the transmission pattern, and the signal separation unit separates the demodulation reference signal by using the transmission pattern specified on the basis of the index.