The Spanish word 'caite', meaning 'simple sandal', comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word 'cactli', which meant 'sandal'. This is one of many words that Spanish borrowed from the indigenous languages of the Americas during the colonial period. The Nahuatl word was adapted to Spanish pronunciation patterns, with the final '-ctli' being simplified to '-te'.

Since 'caite' comes directly from Nahuatl and is a relatively simple word itself, there aren't any simpler Spanish words that share its etymology.

There aren't any common English words directly related to 'caite', as it comes from Nahuatl. However, English speakers might be interested to know that this is one of several words for footwear that Spanish borrowed from indigenous American languages, showing the cultural exchange that occurred during the colonial period.