Red [ Title: "key-value.red" ] kv: [ a: 1 b: 2 c: 3] ;same code if ;kv: [ a 1 b 2 c 3] print { Instead of: v: select kv 'b (' means literal value instead of b evaluation) You can also use: v: kv/b ; 2 } ;------------------------------------- v: kv/b ; same as: select kv 'b ;------------------------------------- ?? v ; -> v: 2 print { If your key is stored in a variable k: k: 'b Instead of select kv k, you can use: v: kv/(k) ?? v } ;------------------------------------- k: 'b v: kv/(k) ; same as: select kv k ;------------------------------------- ?? v ; -> v: 2