You don't need to memorize all the commentary jargon. If you can translate common words into 3 directions, "attacking," "defending" and "likely to score," you can follow the flow.
POINT 01
First, listen for these 6 terms like this.
A position where you can easily keep the initiative.
Builds strength even if it doesn't score points right now.
The prospect of an enclosed area.
A signal that stones are in danger.
The value of other areas matters too.
The reason for a decision is visible.
POINT 02
"Good" and "easier to play" are not the same.
Commentators distinguish between "Black is slightly better" and "Black is easier to play." The first is a judgment of the position; the second can include practical feelings such as being able to choose a plan easily or being less likely to make mistakes.
- "Even" and "complicated" are signs that the story is still moving
- "Bad aji" is less an immediate loss than a lingering worry for the future
- Enjoy both the AI numbers and the commentator's words as readings of that moment
POINT 03
For long variations, take home only the conclusion.
Even when the commentator lays out dozens of moves of variations, you don't need to remember them all. Just pick up the last sentence, such as "In this diagram Black gains" or "If White saves this stone, White falls behind." When the board returns to the actual game, you can join in just by seeing which candidate move was chosen.