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Full Idea
Opponents typically reply to Searle's argument by conceding that the person in the room does not understand Chinese, and arguing that the understanding should instead be attributed to the system consisting of the person and the pieces of paper.
Gist of Idea
Maybe the whole Chinese Room understands Chinese, though the person doesn't
Source
David J.Chalmers (The Conscious Mind [1996], 4.9.4)
Book Ref
Chalmers,David J.: 'The Conscious Mind' [OUP 1997], p.323
A Reaction
Searle himself spotted this reply. It seems plausible to say that a book contains 'understanding', so the translation dictionary may have it. A good Room would cope with surprise questions.