How to Say "roll" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “roll” is “pan” — use 'pan' when referring to a small, individual portion of bread..
pan
/pahn//pan/
Examples
¿Podemos comprar un poco de pan fresco para la cena?
Can we buy some fresh bread for dinner?
Me encanta el pan tostado con mantequilla.
I love toast with butter.
En la panadería venden muchos tipos de panes diferentes.
They sell many different types of bread at the bakery.
Gender Rule
Even though it ends in 'n,' 'pan' is always masculine, so you use 'el pan' or 'un pan'.
Uncountable Noun
Like 'bread' in English, 'pan' is often uncountable. To ask for a specific piece, you often say 'una rebanada de pan' (a slice) or 'una barra de pan' (a loaf).
Mixing Loaf vs. Bread
Mistake: “Dame un pan para el sándwich. (While understood, this is vague.)”
Correction: Dame una rebanada de pan (a slice) o una barra de pan (a loaf). 'Un pan' usually refers to a small roll.
rollo
ROH-yoh/ˈro.ʎo/
Examples
Necesito un rollo de papel de regalo para envolver el libro.
I need a roll of wrapping paper to wrap the book.
El electricista dejó un rollo de cable en la esquina.
The electrician left a coil of cable in the corner.
Nouns for Measurement
'Rollo' is often used like a measuring unit, similar to saying 'a sheet' or 'a piece.' Remember it's always masculine: 'un rollo'.
Bread vs. Cylinder
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