The Spanish word 'pan' meaning 'bread' comes directly from the Latin word 'panis', which also meant 'bread'. This is a straightforward etymology where the Latin word simplified over time, dropping the final '-is' syllable as it evolved into Spanish.

Several common Spanish words are derived from 'pan', including 'panadería' (bakery), 'panadero' (baker), and 'empanada' (a type of filled pastry). The prefix 'em-' and suffix '-ada' were added to 'pan' to create 'empanada', literally meaning something like 'enbreaded' or 'turned into bread', referring to the bread-like dough that wraps around the filling.

While English 'bread' comes from a different root, there are several English words that share the Latin root 'panis'. These include 'companion' (originally meaning someone you share bread with, from Latin 'com-' meaning 'with' + 'panis'), 'pantry' (originally a place for storing bread), and 'panini' (an Italian word derived from the same Latin root, now commonly used in English for pressed sandwiches).