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I cannot remember off the top of my head the exact number and am clearly too lazy to google it but there is a specific length of time in which, if no new noises pass through, the human brain processes it as a pause/silence.

I want to say 300ms which would coincide with your 500ms example

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This is definitely dependent on individuals. It’s a reason during some conversations people can never seem to get a word in edgewise, even if the person speaking may think they’re providing opportunities do so. A mismatch in “pause length” can make for frustrating communications.

I am also too lazy to google or AI it but it’s something I remember from when I taught ESL long ago.

That makes sense! To be honest I’m referring to my audio engineering degree and the pause was specific to noticing silence in audio so I’d 100% agree that in conversation it can vary between people as I know some many people who will not let you get a word in

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