This is an empirical study of consecutive interpretation into the A and B languages (Italian and English respectively). Forty-five subjects (15 beginners, 15 advanced students, 15 professional interpreters) each interpreted the same two short source speeches, one from Italian into English and the other in the opposite direction. Points compared in the two directions were: (1) pause duration in second per minute of production ; (2) subjects’ explanations for pausing, identified in retrospective comments. Statistical testing showed significant differences between the A and B languages in both respects. These findings are discussed, together with possible practical implications for interpreter training.