Translating Tabs

Did you try this docs? https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/string-translation/

I'm not sure I get what you want! I think using WPML for translation always put something in the DB.

Maybe you should localize your theme/plugin using .po file. Then use poEdit to make translation. That way there's nothing stored in the DB (and you also don't use WPML).